Canada Passport Photo Requirements
Canadian in the US? Canada uses a unique photo size that is different from both US and European formats — here is exactly what IRCC requires.
Canadian passport photos are 50×70mm — a unique size used by no other major country.
Create your Canadian passport photo — free
Upload any clear photo. We resize to 50×70mm, set white background, and export a JPEG ready for IRCC online upload or consulate submission.
Canada Passport Photo Specifications (IRCC)
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 50×70mm |
| Pixels at 300 DPI | 591×827 px |
| Background | White or light grey |
| Expression | Neutral, relaxed |
| Eyes | Open, front-facing |
| Head size | 31–36mm tall in frame |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Head coverings | Religious/medical only |
| Photo age | Within 6 months |
| Guarantor signature | Required (1 of 2 photos) |
| File format (digital) | JPEG |
How Canada's Photo Size Compares to Other Countries
| Country | Size | Shape |
|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇦 Canada | 50×70mm | Rectangular portrait |
| 🇺🇸 United States | 51×51mm (2×2 in) | Square |
| 🇬🇧 UK / 🇪🇺 EU / Schengen | 35×45mm | Rectangular portrait |
| 🇮🇳 India / 🇵🇰 Pakistan | 35×45mm | Rectangular portrait |
| 🇦🇺 Australia / 🇳🇿 New Zealand | 35×45mm | Rectangular portrait |
The Canadian Guarantor Requirement
Canadian passport applications require one of your two photos to be certified by a guarantor. Here is what that means:
Warning
How to Get a Canadian Passport Photo in the United States
White or light grey background, natural light, neutral expression. No glasses. Portrait orientation — the 50×70mm format is taller than it is wide, so shoot vertically and ensure your full head is visible with some space above the crown.
Upload to our free tool and select the 50×70mm preset (or use the general tool — it formats to the exact Canadian specification). Download the JPEG.
Upload to the CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart photo app and print as a 4×6 photo (~$0.35). Cut out the 50×70mm photos. You need 2 prints — one for the guarantor to sign, one unsigned.
For online IRCC applications, upload the JPEG digitally. For mail-in or in-person applications, submit 2 printed photos (one with guarantor signature on the back). Canadian consulates in the US are in Washington D.C., New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle, and more.
Note
Create Your Canadian Passport Photo — Free
50×70mm · White or light grey background · JPEG for IRCC upload or consulate submission
Free to try • Pay only for HD download
Canada Passport Photo FAQ
What size is a Canadian passport photo?
Canadian passport photos must be 50×70mm (width × height) — approximately 2×2.75 inches. This is a rectangular portrait format unique to Canada — it is NOT the US 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square format, and it is NOT the European 35×45mm format. At 300 DPI, 50×70mm equals 591×827 pixels. Canada's size is larger than most countries and is often the biggest surprise for Canadians living in the US.
Can I use a US passport photo for a Canadian passport?
No. US passport photos are square 2×2 inches (51×51mm). Canadian passport photos must be rectangular 50×70mm — both the dimensions and the proportions are different. A US-format photo submitted to a Canadian consulate or via the IRCC online portal will be rejected immediately.
Can I use a 35×45mm European-format photo for a Canadian passport?
No. The European/UK standard of 35×45mm is also wrong for Canadian passports. Canada's 50×70mm format is larger and has different proportions than the 35×45mm format. If you've recently applied for a UK or Schengen visa and have 35×45mm photos left over, they will not work for a Canadian passport application.
What background color is required for a Canadian passport photo?
Canadian passport photos require a plain white or light grey background. Both are officially accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The background must be uniform with no shadows, patterns, or other people visible. Pure white is safest — light grey is permitted but must be a consistent neutral tone, not colored.
Can I wear glasses in a Canadian passport photo?
No. IRCC updated Canadian passport photo requirements to prohibit glasses, following ICAO biometric standards. All eyewear — prescription glasses, reading glasses, sunglasses — must be removed before the photo is taken. Contact lenses are permitted.
How do I get a Canadian passport photo in the United States?
US pharmacies only offer the US 2×2 inch format, which is wrong for Canadian passports. To get a compliant 50×70mm Canadian passport photo, use our online tool: upload your photo, it resizes to 50×70mm with a white background, and exports a JPEG. Download and print at any pharmacy kiosk for ~$0.35 — the print layout fits the 50×70mm photo on a standard 4×6 sheet.
Where can Canadians renew their passport in the United States?
Canadians living in the US can renew their passport through the Canadian Embassy in Washington D.C. or Canadian Consulates General in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle, Minneapolis, Denver, and Boston. Many routine renewals can also be submitted by mail. Check the IRCC website for current processing times and mail-in eligibility.
How many passport photos do I need for a Canadian passport application?
Canadian passport applications require 2 printed 50×70mm photos. One photo must be signed on the back by a guarantor (a Canadian citizen who has known you for at least 2 years and holds a valid Canadian passport). The second photo is submitted unsigned. Digital photo uploads are also accepted for IRCC online applications.
What is the guarantor requirement for Canadian passport photos?
For adult Canadian passport applications, one of your two photos must be certified by a guarantor — a Canadian citizen who has known you for at least 2 years, is 18 or older, and holds a valid Canadian passport. The guarantor writes 'I certify this to be a true likeness of [your name]' and signs the back. This requirement applies to in-person and mail-in applications; online renewals handle identity verification differently.