50 × 70 mm (1.97 × 2.76 in) · 591 × 827 px · 31–36 mm · white or light grey
Official measurements
Taken by an approved photographer only
A home-made or edited photo is not accepted for the Canadian passport photo. Have it taken by an approved photographer or photo booth, or at the office when you apply. Use the measurements on this page to check the photo you are given.
Head
Eyes
Specification
Photo size
50 × 70 mm (1.97 × 2.76 in)
Digital size
591 × 827 px (300 dpi at print size)
Head height
31–36 mm (top of the hair; 44–51% of the photo height)
Background
white or light grey
4 × 6 in print sheet
2 photos per sheet
Source
Government of Canada, canada.ca (passport photo requirements)
Last checked
Canada uses a much larger 50 × 70 mm photo, with a face of 31–36 mm from chin to crown. Paper applications also need the photographer's details on the back, so check the current list before you print.
Photo check
Do this, avoid that
DoSoft window light, plain wall
AvoidHarsh overhead light, busy background
DoNeutral expression, eyes open, hair off the face
AvoidBig smile, tilted head, sunglasses
What the Canadian passport photo needs
A Canadian passport photo is 50 × 70 mm, which is 1.97 × 2.76 in. The editor exports it at 591 × 827 px, enough for a sharp print at 300 dpi.
The rule measures the head from the chin to the top of the hair: it must be 31–36 mm, which is 44–51% of the photo height. The editor draws this band on the frame so you can place the chin inside it.
Accepted backgrounds: white or light grey. Use one plain colour with no shadows or patterns; the editor starts with white.
The same 50 × 70 mm size is also used for: Canadian PR card photo. The head size or background can still differ, so choose the exact document.
Check the latest rules
These measurements were last checked on 2026-10-14 against the source above. Photo rules change and offices can be strict, so check your government's or embassy's current requirements before you print or submit. We cannot guarantee that a photo will be accepted.
FAQ
Questions about the Canadian passport photo
What size is a Canadian passport photo?
50 × 70 mm, which is 1.97 × 2.76 in. As a digital file it is 591 × 827 px.
How big should the head be in a Canadian passport photo?
31–36 mm from the chin to the top of the hair, which is 44–51% of the photo height.
What background colour does a Canadian passport photo need?
Accepted backgrounds: white or light grey. Use one plain colour with no shadows or patterns; the editor starts with white.
Will my Canadian passport photo be accepted?
We cannot promise that. The editor helps you match the size and head height, but offices also check the background, lighting, expression, glasses and how recent the photo is. Check your government's latest rules before you submit.
Can I make a Canadian passport photo at home?
No. This document only accepts a photo taken by an approved photographer, a photo booth or the office itself, so a home photo will be refused however well it is cropped. Check the office's current instructions before you go.
Are Canadian visa and PR card photos the same as the passport photo?
No. A visitor visa application uses a 35 × 45 mm photo. The PR card photo is also 50 × 70 mm, but its head is measured without the hair and only plain white is allowed. Each has its own page with its own guides.
What are the Canadian passport photo rules for babies?
A commercial photographer must take the photo. Newborns may show a range of expressions, a white blanket can cover a car seat behind the head, and the photo must not show your hands or the child's.
