Canada visa photo guides
PR card photo vs Canada visa photo
PR card, citizenship, and Canadian passport photos are not the same as 35 x 45 mm visa photos. Treat the 50 x 70 mm requirements as a separate official standard.
Checked: 2026-06-30
Requirement snapshot
- Visa / TRV / permit photo: 35 x 45 mm
- PR / citizenship / passport photo: 50 x 70 mm
- PR card photos need a commercial photographer
- Two identical, unaltered photos usually required
PR card and passport photos use a different 50 x 70 mm standard
PR card, citizenship, and Canadian passport photos are 50 mm wide by 70 mm high, not 35 x 45 mm. The face height is still 31 to 36 mm, but the frame is larger and the official guidance asks for a commercial photographer.
This means a 35 x 45 mm visa photo cannot simply be reused for a PR card or passport. Treat the 50 x 70 mm requirements as a separate official standard.
- Visa / TRV / permit photo: 35 x 45 mm.
- PR card / citizenship / Canadian passport photo: 50 x 70 mm.
- PR card photos must be taken by a commercial photographer.
- Two identical, unaltered photos are usually required.
Commercial photographer and back-of-photo details
Official PR card and passport guidance can require a commercial photographer or studio, and may ask for the photographer’s name, address, and the date the photo was taken on the back of one photo. Always check the actual submission method on the official IRCC or passport page.
Do not read this app’s 35 x 45 mm visa flow as a guarantee for PR card or passport photos. Those are separate standards with their own 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
Is a PR card photo the same size as a Canada visa photo?
No. PR card, citizenship, and Canadian passport photos are 50 x 70 mm, while visa and permit-style photos are 35 x 45 mm.
Do PR card photos require a commercial photographer?
Yes, official PR card guidance asks for a commercial photographer, and may require the photographer’s details and the date on the back of the photo.
Can I reuse my visa photo for a PR card?
No. They are different standards (35 x 45 mm vs 50 x 70 mm) with different rules. Prepare them separately and confirm the official IRCC page.
Official sources
- IRCC - Visa application photograph specifications (PDF) Checked: 2026-06-30
- IRCC - Permanent resident photos Checked: 2026-06-30
- IRCC - Passport photo requirements 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 official PR or passport photo page first
Use the app to prepare a visa-style photo, then confirm the latest official instructions for your actual application route.
Download on the App Store