Canada Passport Photo: check yours against the official spec
A Canadian passport photo must be 50 mm wide by 70 mm high (2 x 2 3/4 inches), with your face measuring 31 to 36 mm from the bottom of your chin to the crown, against a plain white background. You must submit two identical photos taken within the last 6 months. IRCC does not accept photos that have been retouched or that use AI background replacement — that is a stated rejection reason.
Use a clear, front-facing photo against a plain white wall in even light. We measure and crop it — we never edit the pixels you submit.
Canada passport photo requirements
| Photo size | 2 × 2 3/4 inches (50 × 70 mm) |
|---|---|
| Head height (chin to top of hair) | 1 1/4 to 1 3/8 in (31–36 mm) |
| Eye height from bottom | 1 1/8 to 1 3/4 in (30–44 mm) |
| Background | plain white |
| Digital file | JPEG, at least 700 × 700 px |
Common reasons a Canada passport photo is rejected
- The image has been retouched, or the background was replaced with an AI/editing tool — IRCC lists this as a rejection reason.
- Wrong size (must be 50 x 70 mm), or the face is outside the 31-36 mm chin-to-crown range.
- Background is not plain white, or has shadows.
- The two photos are not identical, or are more than 6 months old.
- Eyes not clearly visible, hair covering the edges of the face, or a non-neutral pose.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Canadian passport photo?
50 mm wide by 70 mm high (2 by 2 3/4 inches). You submit two identical prints.
How many photos do I need for a Canadian passport?
Two identical, unaltered photos taken within the last 6 months.
Can I replace the background of a Canadian passport photo?
No. IRCC explicitly rejects photos where the background has been replaced or the image edited, including with AI tools. Retake against a plain white background instead.
What background does a Canadian passport photo need?
A plain white background with no shadows.