Canada visa photo guides
Canada visa 35 x 45 mm photo size
The visa-style photo is a 35 x 45 mm portrait with the face from chin to crown between 31 and 36 mm.
Checked: 2026-06-30
Requirement snapshot
- Frame at least 35 x 45 mm
- Face height 31-36 mm (chin to crown)
- At least 3 mm headroom above the head
- Measure the printed photo, not only on screen
- Do not use 50 x 70 mm PR-card sizing
Canada visa photo size at a glance
The visa-style photo is a portrait of at least 35 x 45 mm. The single most checked measurement is the face height, from the bottom of the chin to the top of the crown, which must sit between 31 and 36 mm.
- Frame: at least 35 x 45 mm.
- Face height (chin to crown): 31 to 36 mm.
- Headroom: at least 3 mm from the top of the head to the top edge of the photo.
- Measure the printed photo after printing, not only on screen.
Why the 35 x 45 mm measurement must be checked on paper
Printers and kiosks can silently scale, crop, or auto-fit an image, which moves the face height out of the 31 to 36 mm range even when the on-screen file looked correct. Always print at actual size (100%) and measure the printed result before submitting.
Do not apply the 50 x 70 mm PR-card or passport sizing here. Those are separate official standards with their own face-height and commercial-photographer rules.
Official sources
This guide summarizes the IRCC visa application photograph specification and uses the PR card and passport pages only to show where the 50 x 70 mm rules differ.
This website and app are independent tools and are not affiliated with the Government of Canada, IRCC, an embassy, a visa office, or any application centre. Photo preparation does not guarantee acceptance, approval, or visa issuance.
Common Canada Photo Rejection Reasons
Even minor deviations can cause IRCC to reject your photo, delaying your application. Avoid these frequent errors:
Sunglasses and tinted glasses are strictly prohibited. Non-tinted prescription glasses may be acceptable if eyes are clearly visible with no glare and the frame does not cover the eyes. If in doubt, remove glasses.
The face height must be between 31mm and 36mm. If you crop the photo too close or zoom out too far, the photo will be rejected.
Ensure lighting is front-facing and even. Shadows on the background wall or on the side of the face are a common cause of rejection.
IRCC requires a strict neutral expression. Smiling, raising eyebrows, or showing teeth will result in photo rejection.
Why Use the Canada Visa Photo App?
The on-screen overlay helps you match the 35×45mm proportions, assisting in verifying the required 31–36mm face height.
Directly output the required dimensions for Canada visitor visas, Study Permits, and Work Permits.
All image processing occurs locally on your iPhone. Your personal photos are never uploaded to a remote server.
Review face position, margins, and background before paying, so you can verify compliance with specifications in advance.
Please note: This app helps prepare photo files for online upload. It is not affiliated with IRCC, and it does not submit applications. For paper-based applications like PR cards, an official photographer's stamp on the back is mandatory. The app's outputs do not replace this requirement. Check the latest rules at Canada.ca.
Related guides
FAQ
How do I measure the face height for a 35 x 45 mm Canada visa photo?
Measure from the bottom of the chin to the top of the crown (the back of the skull, not the hair). It must be between 31 and 36 mm on the printed photo.
Why did my printed photo come out the wrong size?
Printers and kiosks can auto-fit or scale the image. Print at actual size (100%) and measure the printed millimetres instead of trusting the on-screen preview.
Can I use a 50 x 70 mm photo and crop it to 35 x 45 mm?
It is safer to prepare a 35 x 45 mm visa photo directly. Re-cropping a 50 x 70 mm PR or passport photo can change the face height and framing.
Official sources
- IRCC - Visa application photograph specifications (PDF) Checked: 2026-06-30
- IRCC - Permanent resident photos Checked: 2026-06-30
This website and app are independent tools and are not affiliated with the Government of Canada, IRCC, an embassy, a visa office, or any application centre. Photo preparation does not guarantee acceptance, approval, or visa issuance.
All Canada visa photo guides
Check the 35 x 45 mm crop before saving
Use the app to prepare a visa-style photo, then confirm the latest official instructions for your actual application route.
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