Canada Visa Photo Requirements and Specifications (2024)

When planning to apply for a Canada Visa one of the most essential requirements of the visa application process is submitting a Canada visa photo that strictly meets the Canadian guidelines.

Ensuring that your photo meets the updated visa application photograph specifications criteria would ensure no delays in your Canada visa processing. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Canada visa photo requirements including size, dimensions, accepted photo quality, dos and don'ts, and tips for successful submission. So let's get started

Canada Visa Photo Requirements

The Canadian government has strict rules regarding the size, quality, and composition of these visa photos. The main guidelines you would need to follow for your Canada Visa photos are:

1. Size and Dimension Requirements

The Canada Visa photo size and dimension requirements are as follows:

• Canada Visa Photo Size must be 35mm*45mm (width by height)
• Face should be centered in the photo, with the person’s head height between 31 mm and 36 mm.
• The face should occupy between 60% and 70% of the photo
• The photo must show the shoulders and upper body

2. Photo Quality Requirements

The Canada Visa photo quality requirements are as follows

• The photo must be in color with a plain white background or light colored background
• The photo must be clear, sharp, and in focus with no shadows or glare.
• It must not be altered in any way that is no filters or retouching done
• The photo must be taken within the last six months
• The photo should be printed on a high-quality photo paper only

3. Person’s Expression in Canada Visa Photo

The requirements considering the expression of the applicant for a Canada visa photo are as follows

• Applicant must have a neutral facial expression with their eyes open and mouth closed
• No smiling fronting or exaggerated facial expressions are allowed

4. Photo Finish Requirements

the Canada visa photo finish requirements are as follows

• The photo should have a matte or semi-matte finish only glossy photos are not acceptable

5. Photo Lighting Requirements

The Canada visa photo lighting requirements are as follows

• The photo should be evenly lit with no shadows on the face or background
• The lighting should be natural avoiding exposure or underexposure

6. Headwear in Canada Visa Photos

The headway requirements in Canada visa photos are as follows

• No hacks or head coverings are allowed except for religious reasons given that it doesn't obstruct any part of the face

7. Eyewear for Canada Visa Photos

The specific eyewear requirements for Canada visa photos are as follows

• Prescription glasses are allowed as long as there is no glare on the lens and the eyes are clearly visible
• Sunglasses or tinted glasses are not allowed

Photo Submission Requirements For Different Canada Visa Types

Depending on the type of Canada visa the applicant is applying for, the way they submit their Canada visa photos might differ. This includes:

1. Visitor Visa: Applicants will need to submit 2 photos along with their Canada Tourist Visa application form
2. Study or Work Permit: Similar to the visitor visa requirements applicants of a Canada Work permit or student permit will be required to submit 2 physical copies of their photos
3. Canada PR: The requirements for a permanent residency visa are slightly stricter and in some cases, biometric photos are also required to be recorded.

Also Read: Canada Biometric Appointment: How to Confirm Biometric Appointment?

Important Do's and Don'ts of Canada Visa Photo

Now that you are preparing for Canada visa application process from India here are some of the crucial dos and don'ts of Canada visa photo requirements that you ought not to miss

Common Mistakes To Avoid In Canada Visa Photos

Many times applicants experience visa delays due to noncompliance with the Canada Visa photo requirements. Here are some of the common mistakes to avoid in your Canada visa photos.

• Avoid Incorrect size photos that do not match the exact Canada visa photo size and dimension requirements
• Avoid poor quality photos i.e., blurry overexposed or underexposed photos are rejected
• Avoid improper expressions like smiling or other sort of facial expressions may lead to disqualification
• Avoid photos with glare on glasses which makes the person's eye unclear in the photo leading to rejection

Also Read: Guide to Canada Student Visa Requirements, Process & Fees

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 Visas in Canada and How to Apply

Canada Visa Photo Requirements for Children and Infants

The Canada Visa photo requirements for children and infants are slightly relaxed, yet still are crucial. A few points you need to be aware of include:

• The child must be looking straight at the camera with their eyes open
• Toys, pacifiers, or hands should appear in the frame
• For infants place them on a plain white or light-coloured blanket to take the photo from above
• You can place the child in a car seat with a plain background for support but ensure nothing obstructs their face

How to submit Your Canada Visa Photo?

Now that you've got your photo clicked as specified in your Canada visa requirements, let us look at the process to submit your visa photo based on your mode of application:

a. For online applications

When applying online you will need to upload a digital version of your photo that needs the required specification. The photo must be in jpg or jpeg format only with a file size of between 240 kb and 4MB

b. For paper applications

If you are submitting a paper application you will need to provide two printed photos along with the form and write your full name and date of birth on the back of each photo using a soft tip pen.

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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