Example of a valid Canada passport photo with correct size and neutral expression.

What are the requirements for a passport photo in Canada?

Canada Passport Photo Requirements – Size, Quality, and Guidelines

If you’re applying for a Canadian passport, following the official passport photo requirements is essential to avoid delays or rejections. Below is a comprehensive guide covering all the key aspects, including size, quality, background, facial expression, and attire regulations to ensure your photo meets Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) standards.

1. Passport Photo Size and Dimensions

The most important requirement for a Canadian passport photo is its official size. The photo must be 50 mm x 70 mm (2 inches x 2.75 inches) to comply with Canadian government regulations. Additionally:

  • The photo should be printed on high-quality photographic paper, free from any scratches, stains, or creases.
  • The back of the photo must have the photographer’s stamp, including the studio’s name, address, and the date the photo was taken.
  • You must submit two identical photos along with your application.

Failing to meet these requirements could result in your application being rejected, causing delays in processing.

2. Image Quality and Resolution

A high-resolution and sharp passport photo is mandatory. The image must be:

  • Crystal clear, without any blurriness, pixelation, or motion blur.
  • Taken in proper lighting conditions, ensuring no overexposure or underexposure.
  • Free from digital enhancements, meaning no retouching, filters, or color modifications are allowed.

To avoid rejection, avoid editing or modifying the image, and ensure that the final print is of professional quality.

3. Background and Lighting

The background of your passport photo must be plain, solid white, and free from any textures, shadows, or patterns. To achieve this:

  • Have your photo taken at a professional studio that specializes in passport photos.
  • Ensure the lighting is even, preventing harsh shadows on your face or the background.
  • The photo should be well-lit, making your facial features clearly visible without glare or reflections.

Lighting is a critical factor in passport photo approval, so choosing a professional studio with proper lighting equipment and a high-quality backdrop is highly recommended.

4. Facial Expression, Head Position, and Eye Contact

To meet Canadian passport photo regulations, you must maintain a neutral facial expression with no smiling, frowning, or exaggerated expressions. The correct positioning includes:

  • Face directly aligned with the camera, with no tilting or turning.
  • Eyes fully open, looking straight at the lens.
  • A relaxed and natural expression, without any raised eyebrows, squinting, or smiling.

A passport photo that does not meet these strict biometric standards could be rejected, delaying your passport application process.

5. Clothing, Accessories, and Head Coverings

Follow these rules to ensure full visibility of your facial features:

  • Remove glasses, even if they are prescription, to prevent glare or reflections.
  • Avoid hats, headbands, or accessories unless worn for religious or medical reasons.
  • If you wear a hijab or another religious head covering, make sure it does not cast shadows on your face. Your entire face, from chin to forehead, must remain visible.

For best results, wear plain, neutral-colored clothing to keep the focus on your face.

Final Tip: Where to Take a Passport Photo in Canada?

To ensure your passport photo meets all Canadian requirements, visit a government-approved photo studio or a professional passport photo service. These studios use specialized lighting, proper backdrops, and high-resolution cameras to capture passport photos that comply with IRCC standards.

By following these passport photo guidelines, you can avoid unnecessary delays and ensure smooth passport processing.

At-home passport photography for an elderly subject, with a white backdrop and professional lighting setup, creating a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Passport Photography at Home

Getting your passport photo taken at home has never been easier or more convenient. With Green Day Photography, we bring professional-level passport photography services right to your doorstep. Forget waiting in lines, traveling to a studio, or stressing over getting the perfect shot. Instead, you can enjoy the comfort and ease of having your passport photos taken in your own space by experienced photographers who know how to meet every requirement set by the Canadian government.

Why Choose In-Home Passport Photography?

Imagine the convenience of not having to leave your home for something as important as a passport photo. At Green Day Photography, we make it possible by bringing all the necessary equipment directly to you. Our in-home passport photography service offers several key benefits:

  1. Comfort and Convenience: You can stay in your comfortable clothes and get your photo taken right in your living room. This service is particularly helpful for families with young children or individuals with mobility challenges.
  2. Stress-Free Experience: Getting passport photos at a busy studio can feel overwhelming. However, with our in-home service, there’s no pressure. We take our time to ensure the lighting, angle, and expression are perfect.
  3. Professional Quality: Don’t compromise on quality just because you’re at home. We bring professional lighting, a high-resolution camera, and a variety of backgrounds to ensure your photo meets all government standards. Moreover, our expertise ensures that you won’t face the frustration of photo rejection due to incorrect specifications.

How Our Service Works

Booking an in-home passport photography session with us is simple. Here’s how it works:

  1. Schedule Your Appointment: First, contact us to book a convenient time. We offer flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate your schedule.
  2. We Bring the Studio to You: Our photographer arrives with all the necessary equipment, including lighting, a camera, and a backdrop that meets passport requirements. We can use your home’s natural light if it’s suitable or set up our professional lights for the best results.
  3. Get Your Photo Taken: Next, the photographer will guide you on positioning yourself to meet all official standards, including keeping a neutral expression, removing any accessories, and maintaining proper posture.
  4. Review and Approval: After taking the photos, we review them with you to ensure you are satisfied with the results. Additionally, we verify that they meet the passport office’s strict requirements, so you won’t need to worry about rejections.
  5. Fast Delivery: Finally, we process and deliver the final photos either digitally or as prints—whichever you prefer. Our service ensures you receive your passport photos quickly and without hassle.

Benefits of Choosing Green Day Photography for In-Home Passport Photos

  • Guaranteed Compliance: Our team stays updated with the latest passport photo requirements, ensuring that every photo meets the standards of the Canadian government.
  • Personalized Service: We understand that every home is different, and we adapt our setup to your space to create the best possible outcome.
  • Time-Saving: You save time on travel and waiting by letting us come to you. We complete everything efficiently while still providing the highest quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I take my own passport photo with my phone?
While it’s possible, most self-taken photos fail to meet strict government standards. Issues like improper lighting, incorrect dimensions, or unsuitable background often lead to rejection. Therefore, our professional service ensures compliance and saves you time and effort.

2. What should I wear for my passport photo?
Avoid white or light-colored clothing that may blend with the background. Instead, it’s best to wear a solid color that contrasts with the backdrop. Head coverings are allowed only for religious or medical reasons.

3. How long does the process take?
The entire session, including setup and photography, typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes. We focus on making the process as efficient as possible while ensuring quality.

Book Your In-Home Passport Photography Today

Why deal with the hassle of finding a studio, scheduling time out of your day, and hoping everything goes smoothly? Instead, let Green Day Photography bring professional passport photography right to your doorstep. Our service saves you time, provides comfort, and guarantees results that meet the highest standards.

Contact us today to schedule your in-home passport photo session and experience the ultimate convenience in passport photography.

Contact Us : greendayphotography@gmail.com

Canadian passport photo example with guidelines

Canadian Passport Photo Requirements: A Complete Guide | Green Day Photography

Canadian Passport Photo Requirements: A Complete Guide | Green Day Photographyظ

Introduction

When you apply for a Canadian passport, it is crucial to provide a photo that meets the strict guidelines set by the Government of Canada. Ensuring that your passport photo complies with these requirements will help you avoid delays or rejections in your application process. This guide outlines all the Canadian passport photo requirements so that your application process goes smoothly.

1. Photo Size and Dimensions

The Government of Canada mandates specific dimensions for passport photos.


Your photo must be 50 mm wide and 70 mm high (2 inches x 2.75 inches). Additionally, the height of your face, measured from chin to crown, should be between 31 mm and 36 mm (1 1/4 inches to 1 7/16 inches).

2. Background and Lighting

For the background, choose a plain white or light-colored surface without any shadows or patterns. Moreover, ensure the lighting is even to avoid casting shadows on your face or background. A clear and focused photo, free of any visible pixels or dots, is essential for acceptance.

3. Photo Quality

High-quality photographic paper is essential for printing your passport photo. Ensure the photo is in color, and maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed. Importantly, avoid any digital alterations or edits to the photo.

4. Head and Face Position

Position your face squarely to the camera, looking straight ahead. Make sure both eyes are open and clearly visible. By keeping your head straight and maintaining a neutral expression with your mouth closed, you meet the necessary requirements.

5. Clothing and Accessories

Wear your regular clothing for the passport photo. Uniforms are not permitted unless they are religious garments worn daily. Although glasses are not recommended, if you wear them, ensure that the frames do not obscure your eyes, there is no glare, and the lenses are not tinted. Hats and head coverings are also not allowed, except for religious reasons, provided your full face is visible.

6. Special Considerations

For infants and young children, ensure the child is alone in the photo with no toys, pacifiers, or other objects visible. Laying infants on a plain white blanket can help achieve the correct background. Usual hairstyles and beards are acceptable as long as the full face remains visible.

7. Photo Age and Submission

You must submit a photo taken within the last six months. Provide two identical photos, and include the name of the photo studio, the date the photo was taken, and the photographer’s information on the back of one photo. Make sure the photos are free from stains, creases, or any damage to avoid rejection.

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid smiling and maintain a neutral expression with a closed mouth. Smiling or other facial expressions can lead to photo rejection. Moreover, ensure there are no shadows, and use even lighting on both your face and background. Double-check the dimensions of your photo, as any deviation from the specified size will result in rejection.

9. Where to Get Your Passport Photo Taken

For peace of mind, visit a professional photography studio that is familiar with Canadian passport photo requirements. This will ensure your photo complies with all the necessary standards and helps you avoid delays in your application.

Conclusion

Meeting Canadian passport photo requirements is crucial for a smooth and successful passport application. By following these guidelines and ensuring your photo meets all the specified standards, you can avoid common pitfalls and expedite your application process. Visit Green Day Photography, where our experts will help you capture the perfect passport photo.


Canadian Passport Photography

Canadian Passport Photography

Canadian Passport Photography

Every journey to Canada begins with a passport. Getting the right photo for your passport is crucial. But how can you be sure your photo meets Canadian passport specifications?

passport picture

1. Familiarize Yourself with Canadian Passport Photo Requirements: Before anything else, familiarize yourself with the precise specifications for Canadian passport photos. Check dimensions, background color, lighting, and other details meticulously.

  • The date of the photos should not be more than 6 months
  • The background of the photo should be white
  • Your face should not have a certain expression, your mouth should be closed, do not smile or frown
  • Do not wear sunglasses
  • When wearing an Islamic hijab, the contours of your face must be distinctly defined.
  • The size of the Canadian visa photo must be at least 35 x 45 mm.
  • Avoid using additional accessories such as hats
  • The light that shines on the face should not be too much or too little
passport photo

2. Use Professional Equipment: At “Green Day Studio,” we utilize professional photography equipment and proper lighting to capture high-quality photos that meet all necessary standards.

professional camera
professional camera

3. Offer Special Packages for Passport Photos: We offer special packages to our clients for Canadian passport photos, including multiple shots with different dimensions and necessary edits to ensure full compliance with the requirements.

4. Consultation and Guidance for Clients: We provide consultation to our clients regarding the exact specifications of Canadian passport photos and guide them in selecting the best photo for their passport.

Canadian Passport Photography