Canada passport photos are 50×70mm (millimeters). That's approximately 1.97×2.76 inches or 591×827 pixels at 300 DPI.
This is a rectangular format, similar to many European countries but slightly larger than the UK standard (35×45mm). Canada uses its own unique dimensions that differ from most other countries.
Exact Canadian Passport Photo Dimensions (50×70mm)
| Format | Width | Height | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MM | 50mm | 70mm | Standard Canada size |
| Inches | 1.97″ | 2.76″ | Approximate conversion |
| Pixels | 591px | 827px | At 300 DPI |
| Canada's 50×70mm format is unique — shared only with Brazil. It's taller relative to width than the European 35×45mm, giving a more elongated portrait. |
Get a compliant passport photo online
Digital vs Print Requirements for Canadian Passport Photos
Digital upload (IRCC portal): 591×827 pixels minimum at 300 DPI. IRCC accepts JPEG and PNG formats between 60KB and 10MB. The generous file size range gives you flexibility — you can upload a high-quality uncompressed JPEG without worrying about compression.
Print (paper applications): Two identical 50×70mm prints on photo paper. The photographer must stamp and sign the back of one print and write the date the photo was taken. This is a uniquely Canadian requirement — most countries don't require photographer certification on the print itself. If submitting by mail, the prints must be originals, not photocopies.
Canadian Passport Photo Head Size: The 44–51% Rule
IRCC specifies strict head positioning within the tall 70mm frame:
- Head height: 44–51% of the image vertically (chin to top of head)
- In print terms: minimum 31mm, maximum 36mm
- Eye line: Approximately 56% from the bottom of the image
- Centering: Head centered horizontally with even space on both sides
The 44–51% range means your face should fill roughly half the photo's height — a narrow 7-percentage-point window. This is notably lower than most countries because Canada's tall 70mm frame leaves proportionally more space above and below the head.
For comparison:
- Canada: 44-51% (31-36mm head on 70mm frame)
- United Kingdom: 64-76% (29-34mm head on 45mm frame)
- United States: 50-69% (25-35mm head on 51mm frame)
The absolute head size (31-36mm) is similar to what you'd achieve with a UK passport photo — it's the frame that's bigger, not the face. But the narrow 7-percentage-point window means getting it wrong by even a few millimetres can push you outside the range.
Canadian Passport Photo Size vs Other Countries
| Country | Size | Head height | Glasses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 50×70mm | 44–51% | ✅ Conditional |
| Brazil | 50×70mm | 44–51% | ❌ Banned |
| United Kingdom | 35×45mm | 64–76% | ✅ Conditional |
| United States | 51×51mm | 50–69% | ❌ Banned |
| France | 35×45mm | 60–80% | ❌ Banned |
| India | 35×35mm | 60–80% | ❌ Banned |
Canada and Brazil share identical 50×70mm dimensions — the only two countries in the world using this size. A compliant photo from one works for the other in terms of dimensions (verify background and expression rules separately). Canada is one of the few countries that still allows prescription glasses, along with the UK and Germany.
Glasses and Appearance Rules for Canadian Passport Photos
- Glasses: Conditionally allowed. You may wear prescription glasses if they don't create glare, reflections, or shadows on your face. The frames must not cover any part of your eyes. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not permitted.
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed. No smiling.
- Background: White, evenly lit with no shadows behind the head.
- Hair: Must not cover the face or forehead. Both ears should be visible.
- Head coverings: Only for religious or medical reasons. The full face from forehead to chin must remain visible.
Common Canadian Passport Photo Sizing Mistakes
Wrong aspect ratio. Canada uses 5:7. Phone cameras default to 4:3 or 16:9. Crop to 5:7 before resizing to avoid distortion.
Using a European 35×45mm photo. The standard ICAO format is too small. You cannot crop a 35×45mm photo to 50×70mm — the aspect ratios are different.
Using a US 51×51mm photo. The US square format is a completely different shape. Dual citizens (Canada-US) need separate photos for each passport.
Face too large in the frame. Because Canada's tall 70mm frame leaves more space above and below, your face should only fill 44-51% of the height. If you frame the shot like a UK passport photo (where 64-76% is required), your head will be too large.
Low resolution. 300 DPI is the minimum. 72 DPI web images will look blurry when printed at 50×70mm.
Where to Get a 50×70mm Passport Photo in Canada
Canada requires passport photos to be taken by a commercial photographer for paper applications — this is stricter than the US or UK, which allow self-taken photos. Two identical, unaltered prints are required.
Shoppers Drug Mart, Costco, Walmart. Most locations offer passport photo services. They know the exact 50×70mm size, stamp and sign the back of the print (required by IRCC), and guarantee compliance. Prices range from CAD $15-25.
Canada Post outlets. Post offices with photo services produce compliant dimensions automatically. Available at many locations across Canada.
Professional photo studios. Studios in major cities (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary) offer passport photos. More expensive (CAD $25-40) but often higher quality and more reliable for children's photos.
Online/IRCC portal submission. For online applications, upload a JPEG or PNG between 60KB and 10MB at 591×827 pixels minimum. The IRCC system runs automated validation. If your photo fails, the system provides a reason — fix the specific issue and re-upload.
Getting a 50×70mm Canadian Passport Photo Abroad
Finding the 50×70mm format outside Canada is challenging. Most countries don't stock this size. Options:
- Brazilian photo studios use the same 50×70mm format — a compliant Brazilian passport photo matches Canadian dimensions exactly.
- DIY: Take your own photo against a white wall, resize to 591×827 pixels in a photo editor, and submit digitally through the IRCC portal.
- Specify dimensions explicitly: Tell any photo studio "50×70mm" or "591×827 pixels at 300 DPI." Do not ask for "passport size" — they'll give you their country's default.
Canadian Baby and Children's Passport Photo Size Rules
Children's Canadian passport photos follow the same 50×70mm size and 44-51% head height requirements.
Infants (under 1 year): Lay the baby on a white sheet and photograph from directly above. Both eyes should be open. The larger 50×70mm frame gives more room for the baby to be slightly off-centre. For paper applications, the photographer must still sign and stamp the prints.
Children (1-5 years): Same rules as adults — neutral expression, eyes open, face centered. Studios at Shoppers Drug Mart and Costco handle children's photos regularly.
All children under 16: Canadian children's passports are valid for 5 years (vs 10 for adults). This means more frequent renewals and more frequent photos. Keep a compliant digital copy of your child's most recent photo — you'll need it again sooner than for an adult passport.
Verifying Your Canadian Passport Photo Before Submission
Use our passport photo checker to validate your photo before submitting to IRCC. For background color rules, see our guide on Canadian passport photo background requirements. View all Canadian passport photo specifications on the Canada passport photo hub.
