Canadian passport photo

This is one photo we can't make for you, and no app honestly can. Here is what the photographer has to get right.

Canadian passport photo requirements

Size	50 mm wide x 70 mm high
Head	31 to 36 mm, chin to crown
Background	Plain white or light-coloured
Expression	Neutral, mouth closed
Glasses	Allowed if the eyes are clear and there is no glare
Back of photo	The studio's name, address and the date it was taken
Age of photo	Taken in the last 6 months

Checked against the official pages on 2026-10-20: Government of Canada: Passport photo requirements. Rules change; your passport office has the final word.

Get it right first time

No edits of any kind

Canada lists colour, brightness, contrast and sharpness fixes, cut-and-paste backgrounds and filters, including AI tools, as alterations it rejects.

Visas are different

A Canadian visitor visa uses a 35 x 45 mm photo, and most applicants give biometrics instead.

Questions

Can I use a photo I took myself?

No. Canada requires a commercial photographer or photo studio, and it does not accept photos printed at home or edited in any way, including brightness, contrast and the background.

Can I take my Canadian passport photo at home?

No. It must be taken in person by a commercial photographer or photo studio.

Canadian passport photo