Canadian passport photo rules are very strict. To ensure your application is approved without delay, you must understand and follow specifications for photo size, facial expression, headwear, digital-file requirements, and other details. Below, drawing on official and professional-photography sources, is a complete breakdown of what you need to know.

The standard size for Canadian passport photos is 50 mm(width) × 70mm (height), i.e. 5 cm wide by 7 cm high. The applicant’s head (from chin to crown) must measure between 31mm and 36mm, and the face must be centred and held upright. Photos must be printed in colour—some official documents may accept black-and-white, but colour is preferred. The background must be light-coloured or white, evenly lit with no shadows, so that facial features are clearly defined. In addition, photos must be printed on high-quality, non-distorting photo paper; prints from home inkjet printers or on extra-heavy glossy paper are not accepted.

Applicants must maintain a natural, neutral expression—no smiling, no frowning, and mouth closed—to ensure accurate facial-recognition. Eyes must be open and clearly visible; eyebrows, nose, lips, ears and jawline must be unobstructed. Lighting must be even, with no shadows or glare on the face, shoulders or background; red-eye and lens reflections are also unacceptable. If wearing glasses, lenses must be clear (no tint) and reflection-free, and eyes must remain fully visible. The face must be square to the camera and centred in the frame.

Generally, hats or head coverings are not permitted, except when worn daily for religious or medical reasons. Even then, the entire face must be visible and free of shadows caused by the headwear. Applicants may not wear tinted or sunglasses, and hair must not cover any facial features. Medical aids (e.g. nasal tubes) are allowed but must not obscure the face; supporting documentation should be provided for special cases.

Physical photos are normally required for Canadian passport applications, but some visa or permanent-resident applications may accept digital submissions. Digital images must meet the same size specifications 50mm x 70mm, have sufficient resolution (e.g. 600 dpi), and be no larger than 4 MB. They must be taken within the last six months, with no editing, retouching or colour alteration—this includes changes to facial features or background colour. The background must be white or light-coloured, evenly lit with no shadows. Applicants may use a smartphone or camera, provided all requirements are met.

• Photos must be taken within six months of application; older photos are not accepted.
• Submit two identical original prints; digitally altered or mirrored images are not allowed.
• On the back of each photo, print or hand-write the applicant’s name, date of birth, photo date, and the photographer’s studio name and address—stickers are not permitted.
• Special rules apply for infant and child passport photos: only head and shoulders may appear, and no hands (e.g. a parent’s) may be visible. Infants may be seated in a plain white car seat; the background must be white and shadow-free.
• Applicants who use a wheelchair should cover any headrest with plain white fabric to avoid obscuring the neck or jawline.
• Ensure no shadows or uneven lighting; both face and background must show natural, unaltered colour with no blemish-covering edits.

These standards ensure Canadian passport photos meet international biometric-recognition requirements. Non-compliant photos may be rejected or delay your application—visit a professional passport-photo studio and review these rules carefully before shooting.

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References:

• Canadian Passport Photo Regulations | InPhoto Studio – Specialist for Canadian Passport Photography - inphototw
• Canadian Passport Photos 5 × 7 cm (50 × 70 mm) in 2 Seconds – visafoto
• Application Notice: Passport Photo Specification Requirements – china-embassy.gov.cn
• Canadian Immigration Bureau Photo Requirements – hailibk
• Detailed Requirements for Canadian Visa Photos – newgvisa
• Canadian Passport and Visa Photos – photobi
• Specialist Studio for Canadian Passport & Australian Visa Photos – elitegenius
• Detailed Requirements for Canadian Visa Photos – lckimmigration
• Applying for a Canadian Passport: Is Your Photo Compliant? Official Standards Are Here! – jooyee
• Detailed Requirements for Canadian Visa Photos – immica
• 2025 Latest Canadian Passport Photo Specifications & Size Requirements – owlphoto
• Chip Passport Photo Specifications Explained | Passport Photos – roc-taiwan.org
• Canadian Visa & Passport Photo Specifications – whystudiohk
• Canadian Passport / Visa – photogram

Extended Readings:

• Complete Guide to Canadian Visa Photo Requirements: Dimensions, Facial Features, Headwear & Digital Photo Standards
• Complete Guide to Chinese Visa Photo Requirements: Size, Facial Standards, Headwear & Digital Photo Specs
• Comprehensive Guide to UK Passport Photo Requirements: Size, Facial Rules, Head Coverings, and Digital Photo Specifications