One of the most important steps when applying for a Canada visa is ensuring that your photograph meets the official requirements of the Government of Canada. Your visa application photo is used for identity verification and biometric processing, so it must follow strict guidelines for size, quality, background, and facial appearance. Submitting a photo that doesn't meet these standards can lead to delays or even the rejection of your application. To simplify things, we have created a Canada visa photo maker tool to help you get a photo that meets all the requirements.
How do you use the Atlys Canada visa photo maker tool?
Here are the steps to create and adjust your photo to meet Canada visa photo size requirements:
Take or upload your photo: Choose a clear image in JPEG, JPG, or PNG format. You can also take a new selfie directly within the tool.
Click Transform: After confirming the photo, click Transform.Â
Download the photo: Once processed, save your ready-to-use photo to submit it with your application.
Now that your Canada visa photo is ready, let’s apply for your Canada visa through Atlys.
Canada visa photo requirements
Here are the Canada visa photo specifications:
Height: At least 35 mm × 45 mm (1 3/8″ × 1 3/4″)​
Photo format: Black and white or color
Background: Plain white or light-colored
Face size: Head size from chin to crown must be between 31 mm (1 1/4″) and 36 mm (1 7/16″)
Borders: None​
Recent: Taken within the last six months
Face orientation: Full face, square to the camera, facing forward​
Quality: Clear, well-defined, and in focus​
Facial expression: Neutral expression, neither frowning nor smiling, with the mouth closed​
Print finish: Printed on quality photographic paper​
Here is the detailed information about the Canada visa photo requirements:
Canada Visa Photo Size
The photo for a Canada visa must be exactly 35 mm wide and 45 mm high. It must clearly show your full head and the top of your shoulders, with the face height between 31 mm and 36 mm (from chin to crown). The image should be vertically aligned and well-proportioned to ensure proper identification.
Canada Visa Photo File Size & Format
The Government of Canada does not specify a strict file size limit for digital applications, but the image must be high-resolution and uncompressed.
Format: JPG or JPEG is typically used. For paper submissions, the photo must be printed on high-quality photographic paper, either in black or white.
Canada Visa Photo Background
The background must be plain white or light-colored with no patterns, shadows, or textures. A clean and uniform background ensures that facial features are visible and easily scannable by biometric systems.
Face Size & Positioning
Your head must be centered and extend between 31 mm and 36 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the crown. Your face and shoulders must be fully visible and positioned so that your features are not distorted or obscured.
No Borders Allowed
Photos must be borderless, with no decorative frames, shadows, or edge lines. The focus should be entirely on the applicant’s face without any distractions.
Recent Photos
The photo must be taken within the last 6 months before your visa application to reflect your current appearance. Using an older or outdated photo can lead to application delays or rejection.
Orientation & Head Position
You must face the camera directly, with your head straight and level. You must have a full-frontal view, with both eyes open, looking directly into the camera. Side profiles or tilted/angled shots are not accepted.
Quality
The image must be sharp, well-defined, and in focus. Avoid blurry, overexposed, underexposed, or pixelated photos. The lighting should be even, with no shadows across your face or background.
Facial Expression
You must maintain a neutral expression, with your mouth closed and no smiling, frowning, or raised eyebrows. Your eyes must be visible and not covered by hair, glasses glare, or shadows.
Print Finish (for physical copies)
Printed visa photos must be on quality photographic paper, either glossy or matte. However, non-reflective (matte or semi-matte) finishes are preferred to reduce glare during scanning or digital processing.
Canada visa photo requirements for minorsÂ
In case of minor applications, additional guidelines apply, which are:Â
For babies under one year old, it's acceptable if their eyes are not fully open.​
The child must be alone in the photo; no other objects or people should be visible.​
If the child cannot support themselves, lay them on a plain white or light-colored sheet to ensure their head is supported without assistance.
Do's and Don’ts of Canada Visa Photos
To make sure your visa photo gets approved, follow these specifications:
Do’sÂ
Use a plain white or light-coloured background with no patterns or shadows.
Take a photo within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance.
Keep a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed and eyes open.
Face the camera directly in a full-frontal view with your head centered.
Ensure proper lighting to avoid shadows on your face or background.
Wear prescription glasses only if necessary, with no glare and eyes fully visible.
Print the photo on high-quality photo paper, either glossy or matte (non-reflective preferred).
Religious head coverings are allowed only if they do not cover any facial features.
Make sure the photo is sharp, clear, and in focus.
Don’tsÂ
Do not smile, frown, or raise your eyebrows. Your expression must be neutral.
Do not wear sunglasses or tinted glasses, even for medical reasons.
Do not wear headwear unless it is for religious or medical purposes.
Do not tilt or turn your head. The face must be straight and fully visible.
Do not use a coloured, patterned, or busy background.
Do not include other people, hands, or objects in the photo.
Do not apply filters, retouch, or digitally alter the photo in any way.
Do not submit blurry, pixelated, or low-resolution photos.
Do not show your teeth or have your mouth open.
What are the dimensions for a Canada visa photo?
The Canada visa photo must be 35 mm wide and 45 mm high, with the face height between 31 mm and 36 mm from the chin to the crown.
Can I smile in my Canada visa photo?
No. You must maintain a neutral expression, with your mouth closed and no smiling or frowning. Facial features should remain relaxed and natural.
What is the required background for a Canada visa photo?
The background must be plain white or light-colored, with no shadows, patterns, or textures. A clean background helps ensure clear facial recognition.
Are there different photo rules for children applying for a Canada visa?
Yes. For infants under one year, it’s acceptable if the eyes are not fully open. The child must be alone in the photo, with no toys or other people visible, and the photo must be of high quality.
How we reviewed this tool:
Our experts continually monitor the official sources for any changes, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
- Current Version
10 Apr 2025
Written By:
Jyoti Bhatt
Edited By:
Jyoti Bhatt
09 Apr 2025
Written By:
Jyoti Bhatt
Edited By:
Jyoti Bhatt