How to Properly Prepare for a Canadian Passport Photo

Ensuring your Canadian passport photo meets the required specifications is crucial for a successful application. Below are the key guidelines to help you prepare:

1. Photo Specifications

• Quantity: Submit two identical and unaltered photos with your application.
• Size: Each photo must measure 50 mm wide by 70 mm high (2 inches wide by 2¾ inches high). The height of your face should be between 31 mm (1¼ inches) and 36 mm (1⁷⁄₁₆ inches) from chin to crown.
• Quality: Photos must be clear, sharp, and in focus, with uniform lighting and no shadows, glare, or flash reflections. They should show your natural skin tone and be taken against a plain white or light-colored background.
• Recency: Photos must reflect your current appearance and be taken within the last six months.

2. Facial Expression and Appearance

• Maintain a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and clearly visible, mouth closed, and no smiling or frowning.
• Face and shoulders should be centered and squared to the camera, without any tilt.
• Ensure there is a clear contrast between your face and the background.

To ensure your passport application is processed without delays, your photo must meet the official Government of Canada guidelines. Below are the essential requirements:

✅ Facial Expression Guidelines

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recommends that passport photos feature a neutral expression to enhance identity verification and prevent fraud. This means:

• Your eyes must be open and fully visible.
• You must be looking directly at the camera with a straight posture.
• Your mouth must be closed, with no smiling or frowning.

✅ Appearance & Posture Requirements

Your passport photo must accurately reflect your current appearance and be taken within the last six months. To meet official requirements:

• Your face and shoulders must be centered and squared to the camera.
• The background must be plain white or light-colored for contrast.
• Your head must not be tilted in any direction.

If you have medical conditions that prevent you from meeting these requirements, include a written explanation with your application.

✅ Acceptable Features in Passport Photos

The following are allowed, provided they do not obstruct visibility:

• Glasses: Prescription glasses are permitted if:
  • Your eyes remain clearly visible.
  • There is no glare on the lenses.
• Hair: You may wear your hair up or down, but:
  • Your facial features must be fully visible, with no hair covering the edges of your face.
• Head Coverings: Religious or medical headwear is allowed if:
  • Your entire face is visible.
  • The head covering does not create shadows on your face.
• Wheelchair Users: If you are in a wheelchair:
  • Place a white blanket behind your head for a clear background.
  • Your facial features and edges of your face must be fully visible.

❌ Unacceptable Passport Photo Elements

To avoid having your passport application rejected, do not include:

• Sunglasses or Tinted Glasses: Even if your eyes are visible, they are not permitted.
• Red-Eye or Edited Photos: No red-eye effect or digital alterations.
• Unauthorized Headwear: Hats or head coverings not worn daily for religious or medical reasons.
• Shadows or Uneven Lighting: Ensure consistent lighting to prevent shadows:
  • Around your ears.
  • In the background.
  • Across your face or shoulders.

3. Attire and Accessories

• Glasses: You may wear prescription glasses as long as your eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare on the lenses. Sunglasses and tinted glasses are not acceptable.
• Headwear: Hats and head coverings are not permitted unless worn daily for religious or medical reasons. In such cases, ensure your full face is visible and the head covering does not cast shadows on your face.
• Clothing: Avoid uniforms or camouflage attire. Wear everyday clothing that contrasts with the background.

4. Additional Tips

• Alterations: Do not alter the photos in any way. This includes editing for red-eye removal, color correction, or retouching.
• Photographer’s Information: On the back of one photo, the photographer must write or stamp their studio or company name, complete address, and the date the photo was taken.
• Guarantor’s Signature: Your guarantor must write “I certify this to be a true likeness of [applicant’s name]” and sign the back of one photo.

For more information, visit the official Government of Canada website: Canadian Passport Photo Requirements

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