50×70mm Photo Requirements (Canada)

About 50×70mm Photos in Canada

The 50×70mm photo format is the standard size for Canadian passports and several other important Canadian identity documents. This larger format provides more detail and is used for documents that require higher security and identification standards.

What are they used for in Canada?

• Canadian passport applications and renewals
• Canadian citizenship applications
• Permanent Resident (PR) card applications
• Certificate of Canadian citizenship applications
• Some provincial identity documents
• Professional licensing applications
• Security clearance applications
• Various high-security government documents

Common Applications in Canada

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC):

• Canadian passport applications
• Citizenship applications and ceremonies
• Permanent Resident card applications
• Certificate of citizenship applications

Passport Canada:

• Adult passport applications (10-year validity)
• Child passport applications (5-year validity)
• Passport renewals and replacements
• Emergency travel documents

Provincial Applications:

• Enhanced driver’s licenses (some provinces)
• Provincial photo ID cards
• Professional licensing boards
• Security and background check applications

Federal Applications:

• Security clearance applications
• Government employment applications
• Federal contractor applications
• NEXUS and other trusted traveler programs

Photo Specifications

Key Requirements

• Size: 50 × 70 mm (2 × 2¾ inches)
• Face Height: 31–36 mm (measured from chin to crown, excluding hair)
• Background: Plain white or light-colored, uniform
• Quality: High resolution (minimum 300 DPI), sharp focus, color only
• Recency: Taken within the last 6 months

Technical Specifications

• Head Position: Centered, facing directly forward
• Eye Level: Eyes positioned in upper half of photo
• Shoulders: Both shoulders visible and level
• Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible
• Lighting: Even lighting without shadows, glare, or red-eye

IRCC Standards for 50×70mm Photos

• Background: Must be plain white or light-colored
• Glasses: Prescription glasses allowed if no glare or reflections
• Contact Lenses: Colored contacts not permitted
• Headwear: Only for religious or medical reasons, face must be fully visible
• Expression: Neutral expression with mouth closed
• Eyes: Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
• Natural Appearance: No digital alterations or heavy makeup

Photo Paper and Quality Requirements

• Print Quality: High-quality photographic paper required
• Resolution: Minimum 600 DPI for digital photos
• Color: Full color only, no black and white
• Finish: Matte or glossy finish acceptable
• Size Accuracy: Exact 50×70mm dimensions crucial

Digital Photo Requirements

• File Format: JPEG preferred
• File Size: Maximum 4 MB per photo
• Resolution: Minimum 600×750 pixels
• Color: Full color only
• Quality: High resolution, no compression artifacts

Common Rejection Reasons

Photo Quality Issues

• Low resolution or pixelated images
• Blurry or out-of-focus photographs
• Over or under-exposed images
• Poor color reproduction or saturation
• Digital alterations or filters applied

Size and Dimension Problems

• Incorrect photo dimensions (not exactly 50×70mm)
• Face height outside 31-36mm range
• Improper aspect ratio or cropping
• Head too large or too small in frame
• Insufficient space around head

Background Issues

• Colored, patterned, or textured backgrounds
• Shadows or uneven lighting on background
• Objects, furniture, or people visible
• Non-uniform background color
• Busy or distracting backgrounds

Composition Errors

• Head tilted, turned, or not centered
• Eyes looking away from camera
• Mouth open or inappropriate expression
• Hair covering eyes, eyebrows, or face
• Uneven shoulders or poor posture

Technical Violations

• Photos older than 6 months
• Black and white or sepia-toned images
• Visible digital alterations or filters
• Wrong file format for digital applications
• File size too large for online submission

Tips for Perfect 50×70mm Photos

Professional Photography

• Use photographer experienced with Canadian passport requirements
• Ensure proper lighting setup and background
• Verify exact measurements before printing
• Take multiple shots for best selection

DIY Photography Setup

1. Background: Pure white wall or professional backdrop
2. Lighting: Natural daylight or professional studio lights
3. Camera: High-resolution camera at eye level
4. Distance: Maintain proper distance for correct face size
5. Position: Sit straight, shoulders level, look directly at camera

Measurement Guidelines

• Total photo: Exactly 50×70mm
• Face height: 31-36mm (chin to crown, excluding hair)
• Eye position: Upper half of photo
• Head width: Approximately 60-70% of photo width
• Margins: Adequate space around head and shoulders

Quality Control Checklist

• ✓ Exact 50×70mm dimensions
• ✓ Face height within 31-36mm range
• ✓ Pure white, uniform background
• ✓ Sharp focus throughout image
• ✓ Proper exposure and color balance
• ✓ Neutral expression, eyes open
• ✓ No shadows on face or background
• ✓ Recent photo (within 6 months)

Printing and Submission

Print Specifications

• High-quality photographic paper (glossy or matte)
• Professional photo printing strongly recommended
• Exact dimensions crucial for acceptance
• No borders, margins, or crop marks

Digital Submission Requirements

• JPEG format most commonly accepted
• Maximum file size 4 MB
• Minimum resolution 600×750 pixels
• Color profile: sRGB recommended
• No compression artifacts

Where to Print in Canada

• Professional photography studios
• Passport photo specialists
• Costco Photo Center ($6.99 CAD for 2 photos)
• Walmart Photo Studio ($12.97 CAD for 2 photos)
• Shoppers Drug Mart ($14.99 CAD for 2 photos)
• Canada Post photo services
• Online photo printing services with Canadian delivery

Guarantor Requirements for Passport Photos

Photo Signing Requirements:

• One photo must be signed by guarantor on the back
• Guarantor must write: “I certify this to be a true likeness of [applicant’s name]”
• Signature must not obscure the photo
• Use blue or black ink only

Guarantor Eligibility:

• Canadian citizen 18 years or older
• Available to answer questions about application
• From eligible occupation list or has known applicant for at least one year
• Must provide contact information

Special Applications

For Canadian Passports:

• Must meet strict Passport Canada requirements
• Guarantor signature required on one photo
• Professional photography strongly recommended
• Two identical photos required

For Citizenship Applications:

• Same specifications as passport photos
• No guarantor signature required
• Used for citizenship certificate and ceremony
• Professional photography recommended

For PR Card Applications:

• Same technical specifications apply
• Used for permanent resident card production
• Digital submission preferred
• High quality essential for card printing

For Professional Applications:

• May have additional specific requirements
• Check with licensing body for variations
• Professional appearance important
• Consider industry-specific guidelines

Cost Considerations in Canada

Professional Photography:

• Passport photo specialists: $15-$30 CAD
• Chain store photo services: $10-$25 CAD
• High-end studios: $25-$50 CAD
• Mobile photo services: $30-$60 CAD

Retail Locations:

• Costco: $6.99 CAD for 2 photos
• Walmart: $12.97 CAD for 2 photos
• Shoppers Drug Mart: $14.99 CAD for 2 photos
• London Drugs: $12.99 CAD for 2 photos

Online Services:

• Upload and print services: $10-$25 CAD including shipping
• Professional editing services: $15-$35 CAD
• Rush delivery options: Additional $10-$20 CAD

Value Considerations:

• Professional photography reduces rejection risk
• Chain stores offer convenience and competitive pricing
• Online services provide convenience for remote areas
• Consider total cost including potential resubmission

Processing and Application Tips

For Online Applications:

• Upload photos in correct file format
• Ensure file size is within limits
• Test upload before final submission
• Keep backup copies of photos

For Paper Applications:

• Print on high-quality photo paper
• Ensure exact 50×70mm dimensions
• Attach photos securely to application
• Don’t fold, staple, or damage photos

For In-Person Applications:

• Bring printed photos meeting specifications
• Have guarantor signature if required
• Bring extra copies for potential issues
• Verify requirements before appointment

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