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Canada Visa Photo Size & Requirements
Canada visa photo requirements follow ICAO biometric standards but are enforced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Service Canada. In this guide, you can confirm the exact 35×45 mm size, 413×531 pixel output at 300 DPI, the required white background, and the fastest way to prepare a compliant image before submitting your Canada visa application. A key local rule to remember is: Two identical 50×70 mm prints are required, with one signed and dated on the back by your guarantor.
Use ImageGates to resize your image to exactly 35×45 mm (413×531 px) with a white background. This guide also covers where applicants usually submit their documents, which local rules cause the most rejections, and which related country pages to compare before you apply.
Official Canada visa photo rules
- Two identical 50×70 mm prints are required, with one signed and dated on the back by your guarantor.
- Face height must measure 31–36 mm from chin to crown — strictly enforced with a measuring template.
- Prints must include the photographer's name, studio address and date stamped on the back.
Common mistakes in Canada visa photos
- Forgetting the guarantor's signature and date on the back of one print.
- Submitting digitally captured photos that lack the photographer's stamp.
- Cropping the face too tightly — leaving less than 31 mm of face height.
Visa vs passport photo differences in Canada
The visa photo in Canada is 35×45 mm, while the passport photo is 50×70 mm. That size difference is enough to trigger rejection if you upload the wrong file, so always double-check which document you are preparing. You can also compare the alternate document on the dedicated Canada passport photo page.
Popular countries
United StatesUnited KingdomIndiaSchengen Zone
Related countries
United States (51×51 mm)United Kingdom (35×45 mm)Australia (35×45 mm)
Frequently asked questions
Does my Canadian passport photo really need a guarantor signature?
Yes. For first-time adult applications, one of the two prints must be signed and dated on the back by the same guarantor who signs your application form. Photos without this signature are returned.
Why are Canadian passport photos so much larger than U.S. or European ones?
Canada uses 50×70 mm prints with a 31–36 mm face height to meet ICAO biometric standards combined with their guarantor verification system, which needs space for handwritten endorsements on the back.
What is the official visa photo size for Canada?
The official Canada visa photo size is 35×45 mm, which equals 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI.
What background is required for a Canada visa photo?
Canada visa photos require a white background with even lighting, no patterns, and no visible shadows.