Canadian Passport Photo

Requirements for Canadian Passport Photo

You need to prepare two identical photos when applying for your Canadian passport. Canadian has strict criteria for the photo you took, including:

• Size. Your Canada passport photo must be 50 mm wide by 70 mm high (2 inches wide by 2¾ inches high). The height of your face must measure between 31 mm (1¼ inches) and 36 mm (1⁷⁄₁₆ inches) from your chin to the crown of your head.
• Quality of your picture. The picture you took should be clear and in sharp focus. Besides, there should be no shadows or reflections in your photo. In addition, your Canadian passport photo must be an original version that is not altered.
• Color. The photo can be in color or in black and white.
• Background: Take against a plain white or light background. Make sure no shadow in the background.
• Glasses: You can wear glasses as long as they do not cover your face or cast a shadow. It is essential to show all your facial features in your picture. However, sunglasses or tinted glasses are not allowed to wear for a Canadian passport picture.
• Head coverings: It's acceptable to put on hats and head coverings for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Please ensure your face will not cover by your headgear when you have to wear one.
• Hair: When taking a passport size photo, it is OK to put your hair down but you need to make sure the edges of your face are visible.
• Jewellery: The photo must be easily identified by authorities. Therefore, it's not allowed to wear bright, shiny and large jewellery. It may cover your face or neck, and results in distracting from your apperance.

What Kind of Pose Should I Take in My Canadian Passport Photo?

The desirable pose is sit or stand upright, let your face square to camera and look directly to the camera lens. Don't forget to include your whole face, from your crown to the bottom of your chin, your neck, and the edge of your shoulder in the photo too.

Can I Wear Makeup for a Canada Passport Photo?

There is no specific requirements for makeup in passport picture. However, it's best to avoid heavy makeup as it can change someone's appearance and passport checker may fail to recognize your face. Something delicate and natural makeup is allowed. Avoud lip gloss, dark eyeliners and eye shadows.

Why Do I Need to Keep a Neutral Expression When Taking My Canadian Passport Photo?

Keeping a neutral expression in your passport photo is recommended by International Civil Aviation Organization. The purpose of doing so is to help the facial recognition systems better recognize your unique facial features to prevent fraud. Apart from that, it can also let government officials identify you quicker. Only in a relaxed and neutral state can you show your facial character clearly. Therefore, no need to smile, keep your eyes open and mouth closed, and relax when taking your Canadian passport photo.

Canada Passport Photo for Baby and Child

Baby passport photo must follow the same guidelines as Canadian adult passport photos. 2 Color and printed photographs are needed when apply for a Canada passport. The photo should be taken within 6 months and reflects the most recent look of your child. Eyes are open and mouth is closed, while keeping a netural expression. Only newborn children are allowed to slightly open mouth and close eyes.

If parents want to take a passport size photo for their baby, your hands cannot be visible in the photo. Lay your baby on the white sheet or sit the child on a feeding chair. Make sure there are no shadows on the face, ears, shoulders, or in the background. Once you manage to take a good passport photo for your infant, just write on the back:" I certify this to be a true likeness of (child's name)" and sign the photo. IRCC requires both photos to be signed on the back with the date the photo was taken.

Places to Take a Canadian Passport Photo

In-store passport photo centers can be your go-to choice as they have ready-made template for your documents. You also can go to a professional photo studio or post office, which can take compliant Canada passport picture with ease. Such options can save you time and energy on complicated passport photo requirements. It's best to ask for futher details before you visit the photo centers or studio.

Can I Edit the Passport Photo Using Graphic Programs?

It's not advisable to edit or modify the passport photo in design software like PhotoShop. Any alteration like retouching, chaning natural facial features such as removing wrinkles, scars or even tattoos are prohibited. Use the AiPassportPhotos to resize or crop photo to passport size, change background color based on official requirements.

What Can An Online Passport Photo Editor Do for You？

The rapid development of the Internet and AI technology enables you to take your passport photo online. However, simply taking pictures of yourself doesn't mean the task is finished. The most important job is to make sure your photo is ucompliant with official requirements. Our excellent online passport/ID photo tool can help you: 

• Passport photo resizer. AiPassportPhotos can measures your photos and crop photo to passport size based on Canadian passport photo requirements. It can adjust the distance from the head and face to the top and bottom of the photo.
• Background editor: AI system can automatically remove background or change background color in a few clicks. You'll get a passport picture with proper background.
• Passport photo validator: We can ensure you a 100% Compliance Guaranteed passport photo by recognizing facial features and correcting non-obvious errors. We are confident with our cutting-edge technology and always welcome you to pick up your perfect passport photo.

Where to Print Canadian Passport Photos?

The Canadian government suggests that your passport photo should be printed on plain, high-quality photographic paper. Therefore, passport photos printed at home or printed on heavy-weight paper may fail to live up to the standard. To avoid rejection of your Canadian passport photo because of the reason of printing in an improper way, you are encouraged to print your picture at a professional photo studio or lab.