Canada · Passport / Visa Photo

Canada Passport Photo Size & Specs

A Canadian passport photo is 50×70 mm with a plain white background and the head measuring 31 to 36 mm from chin to crown. Canada has a distinctive rule: the photographer must sign and date the back of the printed photo, certifying the date the photo was taken. This is required for first-time adult passport applications.

Official spec

Size: 50×70 mm at 300 DPI
Background: Plain white or light-coloured
Head height: 31 mm to 36 mm chin to crown
At 300 DPI: 591 × 827 px

Accepted for

Canadian passport (new + renewal)
Permanent Resident card
Citizenship certificate

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Rules that get checked

Neutral expression with mouth closed.
Both eyes open, looking directly at the camera.
No glasses since 2016.
Photo must be taken within the last six months.
For new applications: photographer must sign and date the back of one of the two required photos.

Common reasons photos get rejected

These are the issues passport / visa authorities flag most often for Canada applications. Most are avoidable with a careful re-shoot or the AI background tool.

Photo is the wrong size (Canada uses 50×70 mm, not the more common 35×45 mm or 2×2").
Background is not plain (textured walls, off-white shades, visible patterns).
Glasses or reflections.
For first-time applications: no photographer signature on the back.
Head height outside the 31–36 mm range.

FAQs

What size is a Canadian passport photo?

50×70 mm (5×7 cm) at 300 DPI — unique among major countries. Don't confuse it with the more common 35×45 mm Schengen-style photo or US 2×2 inch photo.

Do I need a photographer signature?

For first-time adult passport applications, yes — one of the two photos needs to be signed and dated by the photographer on the back. For renewals, no signature is required.

Can I use a selfie?

Technically yes — Passport Canada doesn't require a commercial photographer. The signature requirement only applies if you submit two prints; if you use the online portal, the signature requirement does not apply.