May 29, 2026 · Visa Photos
Working Holiday Visa Photo Requirements 2026 – Australia, NZ, Canada, UK, Japan, Germany
Working Holiday Visas (WHV), Youth Mobility Schemes, and International Experience programmes each have their own photo specifications — and they vary significantly between countries. This guide covers the official photo requirements for Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Germany so you can prepare the correct photo before applying.
Photo sizes vary significantly between countries
Do not use the same printed photo for multiple WHV applications. Australia uses 45×35mm, Canada uses 50×70mm, and New Zealand uses 35×45mm. Always verify the exact requirement on the official visa application portal for each destination.
Quick Reference: WHV Photo Sizes by Country
| Country / Visa | Authority | Photo size | Background | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (WHV 417/462) | DFAT | 45×35mm | White/off-white | Face 70–80% of frame |
| New Zealand (Working Holiday) | Immigration NZ | 35×45mm | White | ICAO standard |
| Canada (IEC) | IRCC | 50×70mm | White/off-white | Face 31–36mm height |
| UK (Youth Mobility Scheme) | HMPO | 45×35mm | Cream/off-white | Portrait landscape format |
| Japan (Working Holiday) | Japanese Embassy | 45×35mm | White | ICAO standard |
| Germany (Working Holiday, non-EU) | German Embassy | 35×45mm | White | ICAO standard |
Always verify current requirements with the official visa application portal before submitting your application. Requirements may change without notice.
Australia – Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 and 462)
The Australian Working Holiday Visa is offered as subclass 417 (standard WHV) and subclass 462 (Work and Holiday). Both visas are managed by the Department of Home Affairs and the biometric photo standard follows DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) guidelines.
- Size: 45mm wide × 35mm tall
- Background: Plain white or off-white, no shadows
- Face coverage: Face must occupy 70–80% of the frame
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes fully open
- Glasses: Not permitted
- Recency: Taken within 6 months
- Format: Full colour, no filters or digital editing
Australian WHV applications are submitted online through the ImmiAccount portal. You will typically upload a digital photograph rather than submit a printed photo. The online system performs automated biometric checks. Always apply from your home country before travelling to Australia.
New Zealand – Working Holiday Visa
New Zealand Working Holiday Visas are administered by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). The photo specification follows the ICAO biometric standard.
- Size: 35mm wide × 45mm tall (portrait, ICAO)
- Background: Plain white
- Expression: Neutral, both eyes open
- Glasses: Not permitted
- Recency: Taken within 6 months
New Zealand WHV applications are made online through the Immigration New Zealand online portal. Applicants upload a digital image. Printed photos are not typically required for an online application.
Canada – International Experience Canada (IEC)
Canada's working holiday programme is known as International Experience Canada (IEC) and is administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The photo format is notably larger than most other countries.
- Size: 50mm wide × 70mm tall
- Face height: 31mm to 36mm (chin to crown of head)
- Background: Plain white or off-white
- Expression: Neutral, both eyes open and looking at the camera
- Glasses: Not permitted (IRCC removed the exemption in 2020)
- Recency: Taken within 6 months
- Colour: Full colour, no flash glare, no red-eye
IEC applications require two identical printed photos to be submitted with the paper application, or a digital upload for the online application stream. The 50×70mm Canadian format is significantly different from the ICAO 35×45mm standard used by most European countries — do not submit an ICAO-sized photo for a Canadian IEC application.
United Kingdom – Youth Mobility Scheme
The UK Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) is administered by the Home Office and follows HMPO (His Majesty's Passport Office) photo standards. Note that UK passport photos use a distinctive landscape portrait orientation.
- Size: 45mm wide × 35mm tall (landscape portrait)
- Background: Plain cream or off-white (not pure white)
- Face height: 29mm to 34mm within the photo
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open
- Glasses: Not permitted (HMPO rule since 2021)
- Recency: Taken within the past month (much stricter than most countries)
- Head coverings: Permitted only for religious or medical reasons
The UK Youth Mobility Scheme application is submitted online via the UKVI application portal. Applicants typically submit a digital photo code rather than a printed photo. The photo must be certified as a true likeness by a countersignatory in some cases. Confirm the current requirements with UKVI before applying.
Japan – Working Holiday Visa
Japan's Working Holiday Visa is available to nationals of a limited number of countries with bilateral agreements. Applications are made at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in the applicant's home country.
- Size: 45mm wide × 35mm tall (ICAO standard)
- Background: Plain white
- Expression: Neutral, both eyes fully open
- Glasses: Generally not permitted under ICAO standard
- Recency: Taken within 6 months
- Format: Printed photograph submitted with the paper application
Japanese WHV applications typically require a printed photograph to be submitted along with the paper application form at the Japanese Embassy. Confirm the exact requirements with the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your home country, as requirements for WHV applicants may differ slightly depending on your nationality and the specific bilateral agreement.
Germany – Working Holiday Visa (Non-EU Nationals)
Non-EU nationals wishing to work and live in Germany under a Working Holiday arrangement must apply for a visa at the German Embassy or Consulate in their home country. The photo requirement follows the German ICAO biometric standard.
- Size: 35mm wide × 45mm tall (ICAO portrait)
- Background: Plain white, no shadows
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes fully open
- Glasses: Not permitted
- Recency: Taken within 6 months
- Printed photos: Typically 2–3 identical printed photos required
Germany does not have a general bilateral working holiday arrangement with all countries — confirm with the German Embassy in your home country whether your nationality qualifies and which specific visa category applies. The German Embassy will advise on the exact number of photos required and whether a digital upload is accepted.
General Tips for WHV Photo Applications
Apply before you travel
Working Holiday Visas must be obtained before entering the destination country. Apply at the embassy or consulate in your home country, or through the official online portal.
Check the specific visa portal
Photo requirements are published on each country's official immigration website. These take precedence over any third-party guide, including this one.
Use digital submissions where accepted
Australia and New Zealand accept digital photo uploads. Canada IEC and Japanese Embassy applications often require printed photos. Confirm before preparing prints.
Recency matters
Most countries require photos taken within 6 months. The UK is stricter — HMPO recommends within the past month. Check the specific requirement for your destination.
No glasses, no filters
All WHV and Youth Mobility photo requirements prohibit glasses and digital filters. Take the photo in natural, even lighting with no flash glare or shadows.
Prepare multiple copies
If submitting a printed application, bring at least one extra identical copy of the photo in case of processing issues at the embassy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size photo is required for an Australian Working Holiday Visa?
Australian Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 and 462) applications require a 45mm wide × 35mm tall photo following DFAT biometric standards. The face must occupy 70–80% of the frame with a plain white or off-white background.
What photo size does Canada IEC (International Experience Canada) require?
Canada IEC follows IRCC photo requirements: 50mm wide × 70mm tall. The face height must be between 31mm and 36mm. Background must be plain white or off-white with no shadows.
What are the photo requirements for the UK Youth Mobility Scheme?
The UK Youth Mobility Scheme uses HMPO portrait photo standards: 45mm wide × 35mm tall (landscape orientation). The face must occupy 29–34mm of the photo height. Plain cream or off-white background.
Do Working Holiday Visa photos need to be in colour?
Yes. All Working Holiday Visa and Youth Mobility applications covered in this guide require full-colour photographs. Black-and-white or sepia-toned photos are not accepted by any of the authorities mentioned.
Where do I apply for a Working Holiday Visa — at the airport or the embassy?
Working Holiday Visas must be applied for before you travel, typically at the embassy, consulate, or official online portal of the destination country in your home country. You cannot apply at the airport on arrival. Some countries like Australia and New Zealand accept online applications.
Can I use the same photo for different country Working Holiday Visas?
No. Photo size requirements differ significantly between countries — Canada IEC requires 50×70mm while Australia requires 45×35mm and New Zealand requires 35×45mm. Always prepare photos to the exact specification of each country's visa authority.
Always verify current requirements with the official visa authority for your destination country. Requirements may be updated without notice. This guide reflects publicly available information as of May 2026.
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