Canada Visa Photo Requirements and Specifications (2025)
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Table of Contents
- Canada Visa Photo Specification in 2025
- Canada Visa Photo Requirements in 2025
- What are the Specs for IRCC Photos?
- What to Wear for a Canada Visa Photo?
- Canada Visa Photo Requirements for Children and Infants
- Important Tips For Taking The Perfect Canada Visa Photo
- Seamlessly Navigate Through Canada Visa Requirements With GetGIS Assistance
For a Canadian Visa, the size of the photo must be 35mm x 45mm. The head size must be between 31mm and 36mm from chin to crown of the head). Make sure the photo is in colour, show the full face in a front view with eyes open, and must be clicked with a plain white background.
Here we have a quick guide for Canada visa photo requirements and specifications in 2025
Canada Visa Photo Specification in 2025
Here are the requirements for Canada visa photos in 2025, based on the Canadian government latest sources:
General Photo Specifications
|
Specification |
Detail |
|
Number of Photos |
Must be identical |
|
Recency |
Taken within the last six months |
|
Colour |
Black and white or colour |
|
Clarity |
Clear, well defined |
|
Background |
Plain white or light-coloured |
|
Digital Photos |
Must not be altered in any way |
|
Face Position |
Square to the camera |
|
Facial Expression |
Neutral (neither frowning nor smiling), mouth closed |
|
Glasses |
Non-tinted prescription glasses allowed (eyes clearly visible, frames not covering eyes) |
|
Sunglasses |
Not acceptable |
|
Hairpiece/Cosmetic Accessories |
Acceptable if not disguising normal appearance |
|
Head Covering (Religious) |
Allowed if full facial features are not obscured |
Face and Head Size Specifications
|
Specification |
Requirement |
|
Frame Size |
At least 35 mm x 45 mm (1 3/8″ x 1 3/4″) |
|
Head Position |
Full front view of the head; face centered in the photograph; top of shoulders included |
|
Head Size (Chin to Crown) |
Between 31 mm (1 1/4″) and 36 mm (1 7/16″) |
|
Definition of Crown |
Top of the head or, if obscured, where the top of the head/skull would be if visible |
|
Non-compliance |
New photographs required if specifications are not met before application can be processed |
Important Notes
- Photos must meet all the listed specifications.
- If any of the requirements is not new photos are requested before your application is processed.
Also Read: Biometric Appointment for Canada Visas in 2025
Canada Visa Photo Requirements in 2025
When you are submitting your application for Canadian Visa in 2025, it is necessary to include photographs that stick to the official guidelines. If you fail to adhere to these requirements it may result in processing delay in your application or request new photographs.
Here is a table that summarises the key requirements you must follow in order to make sure your photos are accepted as part of your application.
|
Requirement |
Details |
|
Number of Photos |
Provide two photographs of yourself with your application |
|
Compliance |
Photos must meet all listed specifications |
|
Non-compliance |
New photos required if specifications are not met |
|
Photo Paper |
Must be printed on quality photographic paper |
Also Read: Canada Student Visa (2025): Requirements, Process & Fees
What are the Specs for IRCC Photos?
For IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) photos, the specifications include a color photo, with the face taking up 70-80% of the image.
This table provides a more detailed overview:
|
Category |
Requirement/Specification |
|
Color |
Photo must be in color |
|
Background |
Plain white or light grey |
|
Expression |
Neutral (no smiling, frowning, or distortions) |
|
Eyes |
Eyes must be open and clearly visible |
|
Hair |
No hair obscuring the face |
|
Head Covering |
Not allowed unless for religious reasons; face must be fully visible |
|
Photo Height |
45–50 mm |
|
Photo Width |
35–38 mm |
|
Face Size |
Face should occupy 70–80% of the photo, or measure 31–36 mm from chin to top of hair |
What to Wear for a Canada Visa Photo?
For a Canadian visa photo, you should wear everyday clothes that contrast with white background and avoid uniforms or patterned/ textured clothing.
Here’s a table summarizing the attire requirements for Canada visa photos in 2025:
|
Attire Aspect |
Requirement |
|
Color |
Wear dark or bright colors that contrast well with the white background |
|
Style |
Neat, everyday clothing representing your typical appearance; avoid overly formal or casual attire |
|
Uniforms |
Not permitted |
|
Accessories |
Tie or bow tie optional; if worn, should not distract from your face |
|
Headwear |
Avoid head coverings unless for religious reasons; face must be clearly visible if worn |
Canada Visa Photo Requirements for Children and Infants
Here is a list of Canada visa photo requirements for children and infants in 2025 showcasing the most current official standards:
|
Requirement/Specification |
Details |
|
Number of Photos |
2 identical, unaltered photos taken within the last 6 months |
|
Photo Size |
35 mm wide x 45 mm high (unless otherwise specified for passports) |
|
Background |
Plain white or light-coloured; use a white sheet for infants if needed |
|
Child’s Position |
Face and shoulders centered and square to the camera; head not tilted |
|
Eyes |
Eyes open and clearly visible; for infants under 1 year, eyes may be closed |
|
Mouth |
Closed; neutral expression preferred, but minor variations allowed for newborns |
|
Face Visibility |
Full face visible; no hair, hands, toys, pacifiers, or objects in the frame |
|
Support |
For infants, lay them on a white/light sheet or place in a car seat with a white background |
|
Lighting |
Even, with no shadows on face, shoulders, ears, or background |
|
Head Coverings |
Only for religious/medical reasons; facial features must not be obscured |
|
Glasses |
Allowed if non-tinted and eyes are fully visible, no glare |
|
Photo Paper |
Printed on high-quality photographic paper |
|
Other People/Objects |
No other people, hands, or objects should appear in the photo |
|
Special Note |
If medical reasons prevent compliance, provide a written explanation with the application |
Important Tips For Taking The Perfect Canada Visa Photo
We have listed down a few of crucial tips for your perfect Canada visa photo requirements that could help you get the perfect one in the first go. These include:
- Use a professional photographer or studio that specializes in passport and visa photos
- Opt for natural lighting in a well-lit room to avoid shadows or uneven exposure. Avoid using flash directly on your face
- Background must be plain white or in light color avoid any patterns or textures behind it
- Ensure that your head is centered in the frame and your face covers the required portion of the photo do not tilt your head or lean forward or backward
Also Read: Multiple Entry Visa Canada: Updated Details for 2025
Seamlessly Navigate Through Canada Visa Requirements With GetGIS Assistance
The Canada visa photo is a small yet crucial aspect of your application. By following the specific guidelines on Canada visa photo size background expression and quality you can ensure that your application proceeds smoothly whether you are applying for a Visit Visa, study permit or permanent residency, attention to detail with your visa photos will save you time and avoid unnecessary delays
With this guide and GetGIS assistance now you are one step closer to submitting your successful Canada visa application. Don't let minor issues delay your visa application or immigration reach out to our immigration assistance team to be well-informed about and confidently navigate to Canada.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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