Canada visa photo requirements (temporary resident visa)

IRCC asks temporary resident visa applicants for a photo framed at least 35 × 45 mm, with 31–36 mm from the chin to the crown of the head. When you apply online, the upload instructions in your application take precedence. VisaPhoto exports a 420 × 540 pixel digital file for this route.

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Photo size & positioning

Canada dimension templateFront-facing portrait with width, height, head-height and top-gap dimension arrows. Eye height is shown only when specified for this format.420 pxExport width540 pxHeightHead height68.89–80%372–432 pxSuggested top gap21.6–64.8 px
Illustrative template. Head guides estimate visible head height. Check anatomical crown measurements manually.

Photo requirements

Frame size
At least 35 × 45 mm
Pixels
420 × 540 px (VisaPhoto export setting, not an IRCC portal limit)
Head height
31–36 mm from chin to anatomical crown; check manually
Background
Plain white or light-coloured
File size
60–240 kB (VisaPhoto export target); follow your portal’s upload limits
Editing
Digital photos must not be altered in any way
Recency
Recently taken; check the time limit in your application instructions
Glasses and expression
Neutral expression, mouth closed; non-tinted glasses only if the eyes are clearly visible

Photo rules

  • Face the camera squarely with a neutral expression and your mouth closed, neither smiling nor frowning.
  • Non-tinted prescription glasses are allowed if the frames do not cover your eyes; sunglasses are not.
  • Religious head coverings are allowed if your full facial features stay visible.
  • Use a plain white or light-coloured background with even light.
  • Do not alter the photo in any way.
  • Keep the photo clear and well defined.

Common reasons for rejection

  • Head outside the 31–36 mm chin-to-crown range
  • Altered or filtered photo
  • Sunglasses, tinted lenses or frames covering the eyes
  • Smiling, frowning or an open mouth
  • Dark or patterned background
  • Upload that does not follow the portal’s file instructions

3 steps with VisaPhoto

  1. 1

    Upload a selfie

    Take a clear, front-facing photo with your phone and upload it.

  2. 2

    Generate and check

    AI creates a portrait in this format; framing and image quality are checked.

  3. 3

    Review and download

    Compare the result with the official rules, then download your JPEG files.

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Example

Original selfie 1Reframed photo example 1
Illustrative example in the Schengen 35 × 45 mm frame.

Frequently asked questions

What size is a Canada visa photo?

The TRV photo frame is at least 35 × 45 mm, with 31–36 mm from the chin to the crown. The public IRCC page does not set universal pixel or file-size limits, so follow the instructions in your online application.

Can I use a phone selfie?

You can upload a clear phone selfie to VisaPhoto, taken face-on in even light without filters. Remember that IRCC requires unaltered photos: check your application instructions before uploading an AI-assisted portrait.

What background colour is required?

Plain white or light-coloured, clear, well defined and without shadows.

Can I wear glasses in a Canada visa photo?

Non-tinted prescription glasses are allowed if your eyes are clearly visible and the frames do not cover them. Sunglasses are not acceptable.

Does a VisaPhoto portrait meet IRCC’s rules?

VisaPhoto creates an AI-assisted portrait and checks its framing and image quality against the TRV template. It cannot promise acceptance, and IRCC asks for unaltered photos, so compare the result with your application’s instructions before you submit it.

Official sources

Sources checked on 2026-09-20.