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Canadian Passport Photo Requirements

Neutral expression, mouth closed, plain white or light background, taken within 6 months, professional-quality photographic paper for prints.

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Upload & process

Choose a photo from your device. Processing starts right on this page.

Examples

BeforeAfter
2.0 in
Canadian Passport Photo Maker Online original sample
2.8 in
Canadian Passport Photo Maker Online processed sample

Requirements

  • Physical: 50mm × 70mm
  • Digital: 12001200px × 18001800px
  • Max file size: 5120 KB
  • Background: white

Canadian Passport Photo Maker Online — common questions

Why does Canada require the photographer's name on the back of the print?

Canada's Passport Program (IRCC) requires the photographer's name, address, and the date taken stamped or written on the back of one of the two printed photos submitted. This requirement traces to the pre-digital passport era when IRCC verified photo authenticity via the photographer's credentials. The rule remains in force despite the move to e-passports — write or stamp the back of one print with this information before submission.

What size is a Canadian passport photo?

50 × 70 mm — larger than both the US 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm) and the international 35 × 45 mm standard. The head must measure 31 – 36 mm chin-to-crown. Plain white background. This unique size is shared with Brazil; no other major country uses it. A US or UK passport photo cannot be substituted.

Does IRCC accept digital photos for Canadian passport renewals?

Canada is gradually rolling out digital photo uploads for online renewals (started 2023). The full 2 × printed photo requirement still applies for in-person applications and first-time passport submissions. For digital uploads, the resolution requirement is 420 × 540 pixels minimum at 300 DPI.

What is the official Canadian Passport Photo Maker Online size?

The official Canadian Passport Photo Maker Online size is 50 mm × 70 mm (1.97 in × 2.76 in). For digital uploads it equals 1200 × 1800 px at 300 DPI.

What background color is required for a Canadian Passport Photo Maker Online?

Canadian Passport Photo Maker Online photos must be taken on a plain white background, evenly lit and free of shadows or patterns.

How big should the face appear in a Canadian Passport Photo Maker Online photo?

The head should fill approximately 70–80% of the photo height, with eyes positioned in the upper-middle of the frame and a neutral expression looking straight at the camera.

Can I take a Canadian Passport Photo Maker Online photo at home?

Yes. Use a recent phone photo against a plain wall, with even daylight and no glasses. Our tool then crops, recolors the background, and resizes to the official 50 mm × 70 mm template.

Can I print the Canadian Passport Photo Maker Online at CVS, Walgreens, or another pharmacy?

Yes. We generate a 4x6 print sheet with 4 photos that any pharmacy or photo kiosk can print.

Common reasons Canadian Passport Photo Maker Online photos are rejected

Issuing authorities reject submissions that miss any of the items below. Our tool automatically corrects crop, background, and dimensions, but you still control the original capture — review this list before you upload.

  • wrong_photo_dimensions
  • face_height_out_of_range
  • background_not_plain_light
  • shadows_or_poor_contrast
  • expression_not_neutral
  • glare_on_glasses
  • photo_not_identical_or_not_recent

Where we sourced these Canada specifications

Dimensions, background colour, and biometric framing on this page are compiled from the references below. Always reconfirm the latest guidance directly with the issuing authority before submitting an application.

  • canada.ca

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