May 29, 2026 · Canada
Canadian Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – IRCC Official Rules
Canadian passport photos use a non-standard 50×70 mm format — significantly larger than the 35×45 mm ICAO standard used by most countries. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) sets strict rules on size, background, expression, and guarantor signatures. This guide covers every requirement, including child photo rules, eTA notes, the PR card comparison, and a format comparison with ICAO and US standards.
Non-ICAO format
Canada uses a non-standard 50×70 mm format, different from the ICAO 35×45 mm used across most of Europe, Australia, and Asia. A photo sized for a UK, German, or Australian passport will be rejected for a Canadian passport application.
Core Photo Requirements
The following specifications apply to all Canadian passport applications and renewals submitted to IRCC, whether in Canada or at a Canadian Embassy or Consulate abroad.
- Size: 50 mm wide × 70 mm tall. Both shoulders should be visible in the frame.
- Head height: 31–36 mm from chin to crown (including hair).
- Background: Plain white or plain light-coloured background, uniform with no patterns or shadows.
- Expression: Neutral. Mouth closed. Both eyes open and looking directly at the camera.
- Glasses: Not recommended — frequently rejected due to glare. Remove all glasses before the photo.
- Recency: Taken within the last 6 months and reflecting your current appearance.
- Colour: Full colour. Black-and-white photos are not accepted.
- Head coverings: Not permitted except for genuine religious or medical reasons. If worn, the full face from forehead to chin must remain visible and no shadows may fall on the face.
- Print quality: Photographic print quality, minimum 300 DPI. No digital filter or retouching.
Guarantor Signature (Paper Applications)
For paper passport applications, one of your two required photos must have a guarantor statement and signature on the back. The guarantor must:
- Be a Canadian citizen aged 18 or older
- Have known the applicant personally for at least 2 years
- Hold a valid Canadian passport
- Write “I certify that this is a true likeness of [full legal name]” and sign the back of the photo
For online renewal applications, no guarantor signature is required. You upload the digital photo directly to the IRCC portal.
eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) — No Photo Required
The Canadian eTA is a fully online application and does not require a photograph. It is linked electronically to your existing passport. Only physical passport, PR card, and citizenship certificate applications require printed or digital photos. If you only need an eTA for travel to Canada, you do not need to provide a passport photo.
Child and Baby Passport Photos
Children's passport photos follow the same 50×70 mm IRCC requirements. IRCC makes practical allowances for very young children and babies:
- Babies' eyes do not need to be fully open, but the face must be clearly visible
- The child must appear alone — no parent's hands or body may be visible
- The face must be centred in the frame
- A plain white or light surface works as a background for laying the child down
- No toys, pacifiers, or accessories may appear in the photo
Child passports are valid for 5 years (compared to 10 years for adults). A new photo is required at each renewal.
PR Card and Citizenship Certificate Photos
Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) cards and citizenship certificates also require 50×70 mm photos. The specifications are similar to the passport, with one key difference:
- PR Card: 50×70 mm, plain white background only (light backgrounds other than white are not accepted for PR cards).
- Citizenship Certificate: 50×70 mm, same requirements as the passport photo.
Always confirm exact specifications with IRCC (canada.ca) for each document type before submitting your application.
Canadian Passport vs ICAO Standard vs US Passport
| Document | Size (W×H) | Background | Glasses | Recency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇦 Canadian Passport | 50×70 mm | White / light | Not recommended | 6 months |
| 🌍 ICAO Standard (EU, AU, etc.) | 35×45 mm | White / light grey | Not permitted | 6 months |
| 🇺🇸 US Passport | 51×51 mm (square) | White | Not permitted | 6 months |
These formats are not interchangeable. Always use the correct size for the specific country and document you are applying for.
Common Rejection Reasons for Canadian Passport Photos
Wrong photo size (e.g. 35×45 mm submitted instead of 50×70 mm)
Canadian passport photos must be exactly 50 mm wide and 70 mm tall. Do not use ICAO or UK-format photos.
Glasses causing glare or reflection
Remove all glasses — including prescription frames — before taking the photo.
Background not plain white or light-coloured
Use a uniformly white or light-coloured background. Avoid patterned, dark, or multi-coloured backgrounds.
Shadow on the face or background
Stand at least 1 metre from the background wall. Use even front lighting to eliminate all shadows.
Photo older than 6 months
Retake the photo within 6 months of your application date and ensure it reflects your current appearance.
Head size outside 31–36 mm range
Ensure the head (chin to crown) measures between 31 and 36 mm within the 70 mm photo height.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are Canadian passport photos?
Canadian passport photos must be 50×70mm (width × height). This is a non-standard format — larger than the ICAO 35×45mm used by most countries including the UK, Germany, and Australia, and different from the US 51×51mm square format.
Are glasses allowed in Canadian passport photos?
Glasses are not recommended and frequently cause rejection. Since 2015, IRCC has discouraged glasses in passport photos due to glare and ICAO biometric compliance issues. It is safest to remove all glasses before taking your photo.
How recent must a Canadian passport photo be?
Canadian passport photos must have been taken within the last 6 months and must accurately represent your current appearance.
Do I need a guarantor for a Canadian passport photo?
For paper applications, one of your two photos must be signed on the back by a guarantor — a Canadian citizen aged 18 or older who has known you for at least 2 years and holds a valid Canadian passport. Online renewals do not require a guarantor signature.
What are the Canadian passport photo rules for babies and children?
Children's passport photos follow the same 50×70mm IRCC rules. For babies, eyes do not need to be fully open, but the face must be clearly visible and centred. No parent's hands or other objects may appear in the frame.
Does the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) require a photo?
No. The Canadian eTA is a fully online application and does not require a photograph. It is linked electronically to your existing passport. Only physical passport, PR card, and citizenship certificate applications require photos.
Always verify current requirements with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at canada.ca before submitting your application. Requirements are subject to change. This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for official IRCC guidance.
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