Canada Digital & Printed
Passport Photo Requirements
(2026 Guide)

1. Digital Photo Size and Preparation

A digital Canada passport photo file is mainly useful when preparing, checking or ordering a printed passport photo online. Foxly prepares the digital Canada passport photo at 1200 x 1800 px, designed for the required 50 x 70 mm printed photo format. The final printed version should still follow the Canadian passport photo print requirements.

2. Printed Passport Photo Size

Canadian passport photos must be printed at 50 mm wide x 70 mm high, also written as 2 inches x 2¾ inches. The photo must show a full front view of the face and top of the shoulders, with the face and shoulders centred and squared to the camera.

3. Digital vs Printed Canada Passport Photo Examples

A digital file can help you prepare or order your Canada passport photo online, but the application normally requires printed photos. Foxly prepares the digital version at 1200 x 1800 px, designed for the required 50 x 70 mm printed result with correct head position, background and crop.

4. Canada Tourist Visa Photo Size

For a Canada tourist visa photo, the printed and digital photo format is commonly prepared at 35 x 45 mm. The photo should be clear, recent, front-facing and taken against a plain light background, with no shadows, filters or facial obstruction.

5. Canada Permanent Residence Photo Size

For Canada permanent residence photos, the printed photo size is 50 x 70 mm. Foxly prepares the digital version at 1200 x 1800 px, designed for the required printed result with correct crop, background and head positioning.

6. Back of Photo Requirements

For printed Canadian passport photos, the back of one photo must include the photo studio or company name, the complete studio address and the date the photo was taken. For a new adult passport application, the guarantor also needs to sign one photo and write the required likeness statement. The signer is the guarantor, not the photo studio.

7. Head Size and Position

The face height in a Canadian passport photo must measure between 31 mm and 36 mm from the chin to the natural top of the head. The head must be straight, centred and not tilted. The shoulders should also be squared to the camera.

8. Facial Expression

Use a neutral facial expression. Your eyes must be open and clearly visible, your mouth must be closed and you should not smile. Look directly at the camera with your face straight.

9. Eyes and Glasses

Your eyes must be open, level and clearly visible. Glasses may be worn only if the eyes are fully visible and there is no glare, reflection or frame covering the eyes. Sunglasses and tinted non-prescription lenses should not be used.

10. Hair and Head Coverings

Your full face must be visible. Hair should not cover your eyes or important facial features. Head coverings are generally only allowed for religious beliefs or medical reasons, and the full face must remain clearly visible.

11. Clothing and Accessories

Wear normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms, large accessories, headphones, scarves covering the face or anything that hides the outline of your head or facial features. Choose clothing that contrasts clearly with a light background.

12. Background and Lighting

Use a plain white or light-coloured background. Lighting should be even across the face and background, with no shadows, glare, flash reflections or red-eye. The photo must be clear, sharp and in focus.

13. Babies and Children

Children and babies should be photographed alone. No parent hands, toys, blankets, chair backs or other objects should be visible. The child’s face should be centred, clear and front-facing against a plain light background.

How Foxly Passport Photo Maker Can Help

Foxly Passport Photo Maker helps you upload a photo, choose Canada passport photo, and prepare a digital file designed around official photo requirements. You can use the prepared file for digital delivery by email or order printed passport photos where supported.