Canadian Passport Photo Requirements

About Canadian Passport

The Canadian passport is an official travel document issued to Canadian citizens, enabling international travel and serving as proof of Canadian citizenship and identity. It’s recognized worldwide and provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries.

What is it used for?

• International travel and border crossings
• Proof of Canadian citizenship and identity
• Visa applications for foreign countries
• Opening international bank accounts
• Employment verification abroad
• Emergency identification overseas
• Consular services and assistance
• Age verification for various services

How to Obtain a Canadian Passport

Eligibility:

• Canadian citizens by birth, naturalization, or descent
• Must be able to prove Canadian citizenship
• No restrictions on travel imposed by court order

Required Documents:

For First-Time Adult Applicants:

1. Proof of Canadian Citizenship:
   • Canadian birth certificate, or
   • Certificate of Canadian citizenship, or
   • Certificate of naturalization
2. Identity Documents: Two pieces of personal identification
3. Passport Photos: 2 identical copies meeting IRCC specifications
4. Completed Application Form: PPTC 153
5. Guarantor and References: Required for first-time applicants

For Renewals:

1. Most recent Canadian passport
2. Passport Photos: 2 identical copies
3. Completed Application Form: PPTC 054
4. Supporting documents (if name has changed)

Application Process:

Step 1: Gather Documents

• Collect all required citizenship and identity documents
• Obtain compliant passport photographs from approved source
• Find eligible guarantor and references

Step 2: Complete Application

• Fill out appropriate form (PPTC 153 for new, PPTC 054 for renewal)
• Have guarantor complete their section and sign photos
• Ensure all sections are completed accurately

Step 3: Submit Application

• Passport Office: Direct submission at Passport Canada office
• Canada Post: At participating postal outlets
• Service Canada: At select Service Canada centers
• By Mail: To Passport Program office

Step 4: Pay Fees

• Adult passport (10 years): $120 CAD
• Child passport (5 years): $57 CAD
• Express service: Additional $50 CAD
• Urgent service: Additional $110 CAD

Processing Times:

• Standard service: 20 business days
• Express service: 10 business days
• Urgent service: 2-9 business days
• Walk-in urgent: Same day or next business day

Guarantor Requirements:

Who Can Be a Guarantor:

• Canadian citizen 18 years or older
• Available to answer questions about your application
• Provides information in the statutory declaration in lieu of guarantor
• From eligible occupation list or has known you personally for at least one year

Eligible Occupations:

• Dentist, medical doctor, chiropractor
• Judge, magistrate, lawyer
• Professional engineer, architect
• Police officer, professional accountant
• Veterinarian, optometrist, pharmacist

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, 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

• 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

Photo Paper and Quality

• 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

Common Rejection Reasons

Size and Dimension Issues

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

Background Problems

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

Photo Quality Issues

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

Appearance Issues

• Eyes closed, squinting, or looking away
• Mouth open or smiling
• Hair covering eyes or face
• Heavy makeup altering natural appearance
• Reflections on glasses or skin

Technical Violations

• Photos older than 6 months
• Black and white or sepia-toned images
• Visible photo editing or retouching
• Wrong file format for digital submission
• Multiple people in photograph

Tips for Perfect Canadian Passport Photos

Professional Photography

• Use photographer experienced with Canadian passport requirements
• Ensure they understand IRCC specifications
• Verify they can provide exact 50×70mm dimensions
• Confirm they use high-quality photographic paper

DIY Photography Guidelines

1. Lighting: Use natural daylight or professional lighting setup
2. Background: Pure white wall or professional backdrop
3. Camera: High-resolution camera positioned at eye level
4. Distance: Maintain proper distance for correct face size
5. Expression: Practice neutral, serious expression
6. Clothing: Wear dark-colored clothing for contrast

Guarantor Photo 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

Before Submission

• Verify exact 50×70mm dimensions
• Check face height is within 31-36mm range
• Ensure photos are identical
• Confirm photos are recent (within 6 months)
• Have guarantor sign one photo properly

Special Requirements

For Children Under 16:

• Parent or guardian must sign application
• Same photo requirements apply
• Child must be alone in photo
• Both parents’ consent required (with exceptions)

For Name Changes:

• Legal documents proving name change required
• Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or legal name change
• May affect processing time
• Additional documentation may be needed

For Lost or Stolen Passports:

• Report to local police and Passport Canada
• Complete Form PPTC 203 (Report of Lost, Stolen, Inaccessible, Damaged or Found Canadian Travel Document)
• Additional security measures may apply
• Higher fees may be charged

For Urgent Travel:

• Proof of travel required (flight itinerary, hotel booking)
• Limited appointment availability
• Higher fees apply
• May require in-person application

Where to Get Photos Taken

Professional Photography Studios:

• Experienced with passport photo requirements
• High-quality equipment and lighting
• Guaranteed compliance with IRCC standards
• Typically $15-$30 CAD

Retail Locations:

• 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
• London Drugs: $12.99 CAD for 2 photos

Canada Post Locations:

• Many postal outlets offer passport photo services
• Familiar with Canadian requirements
• Convenient locations nationwide
• Typically $15-$20 CAD

Online Services:

• Upload photo for professional editing
• Guaranteed compliance with IRCC standards
• Home delivery available
• Typically $10-$25 CAD including shipping

Application Locations

Passport Offices:

• Toronto: 74 Victoria Street
• Montreal: 200 René-Lévesque Blvd West
• Vancouver: 1148 Hornby Street
• Calgary: 220 4th Avenue SE
• Ottawa: 70 Crémazie Street

Service Canada Centers:

• Over 300 locations across Canada
• Passport services available at select locations
• Appointments recommended
• Full list available on canada.ca

Canada Post Outlets:

• Over 6,000 participating locations
• Convenient for most Canadians
• No appointment necessary
• Additional service fees may apply

Ready to apply for your Canadian passport? Our AI-powered tool creates perfect passport photos that meet all official IRCC requirements, with convenient printing options across Canada.