Canadian Passport Photo Requirements 2026 — Size, Background & Rules
By Easy Photo Passport · Updated October 8, 2026
A Canadian passport photo must be 50×70 mm (2×2¾ inches) with a plain white or light-coloured background, taken within the last 6 months. You submit two identical photos, and one must have the photographer's name, studio address, and the date the photo was taken written on the back. Your face, from chin to crown, must measure 31 to 36 mm. These rules are set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Canadian passport photo requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size | 50 × 70 mm (2 × 2¾ in) |
| Head height | 31 to 36 mm (chin to crown) |
| Quantity | 2 identical photos |
| Background | Plain white or light-coloured |
| Colour | Colour or black and white |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open |
| Glasses | Allowed only if eyes are clearly visible with no glare (removal recommended) |
| On the back | Photographer's name, address, and date (on one photo) |
What makes Canada different
- Size is 50×70 mm — larger and taller than the US 2×2 inch square. A US photo will be rejected for a Canadian passport.
- One of the two photos must have the photographer's name, the studio's full address, and the date the photo was taken written or stamped on the back.
- Photos can be colour or black and white (most other countries require colour).
- A neutral expression with the mouth closed is required — no smiling.
Common Canadian passport photo mistakes
- Using a US 2×2 inch photo instead of 50×70 mm.
- Missing the photographer's stamp/details on the back.
- Head too small or too large (must be 31–36 mm chin to crown).
- Shadows on the background or on the face.
- Smiling or an open mouth.
Get a compliant Canadian passport photo
Upload any recent selfie and our tool formats it to the IRCC 50×70 mm size with the correct head height and a plain white background, then gives you a print-ready sheet. Preview free and pay only if you are happy. When you print the photos, have the lab add the photographer details on the back as IRCC requires.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Canadian passport photo requirements?
A Canadian passport photo must be 50×70 mm, on a plain white or light background, taken within the last 6 months, with a neutral expression and the head 31–36 mm from chin to crown. You submit two identical photos, and one must have the photographer's name, address, and the date on the back.
What size is a Canadian passport photo?
50×70 mm (2×2¾ inches), with the face measuring 31 to 36 mm from chin to crown. This is larger than the US 2×2 inch size.
Why does the back of a Canadian passport photo need the photographer's details?
IRCC requires the photographer's name, studio address, and the date the photo was taken on the back of one of the two photos to verify it is recent and professionally produced.
Can I smile in a Canadian passport photo?
No. Canada requires a neutral expression with your mouth closed and both eyes open.
Can a Canadian passport photo be black and white?
Yes. Canada accepts both colour and black-and-white photos, as long as all other requirements are met.
Can I take my own Canadian passport photo?
You can take the photo yourself and format it to the 50×70 mm IRCC spec, but remember that one printed copy must carry the photographer's or lab's name, address, and date on the back.
Free photo tools
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