Canadian Passport Photo
Instant Canadian passport pictures online that meet every requirement – get yours now, with guaranteed acceptance!
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How to get instant passport photos online?
Fast-track your application with our online passport photo tool – secure a biometric picture in under 3 minutes.
Snap or upload your picture
Getting started is a breeze – You have the option to take a picture or upload an existing photo. The AI tool will handle the subsequent steps.
Smart AI image processing
The AI tool automatically removes any unwanted background and resizes your picture to fit the official passport photo dimensions.
Comprehensive AI photo check
The AI tool conducts further verifications and checks to ensure the photo's compliance and readiness for submission.
Choose digital or printed photos
You can obtain your biometric photos as a digital copy or as printed photos, delivered to your doorstep within a few days.
How to take a clear photo?
Say goodbye to passport picture hassles! Here’s how you can capture compliant and biometric passport photos in minutes.
Use a plain background
Ensure there are no objects behind you. Position yourself at least 2 meters away from the background to prevent shadows.
Keep your posture straight
Align your head, shoulders, and upper body within the frame of the photo. Remember to remove your glasses before taking the picture.
Maintain a neutral facial expression
Make sure your entire face is visible. Look directly at the camera with a neutral expression, eyes open and mouth closed.
Basic Passport Photo Guidelines
- Glasses
- Smiling
- Image retouching
- Wearing uniform and hat
All About Canadian Passport Photos
Canadian Passport Photo Requirements: Overview
Navigating the Canadian passport photo requirements is essential for a smooth passport application process. The Canadian government has strict rules to ensure consistency and security in passport images, which are integral to personal identification.
Passport Photo Size
The size of a Canadian passport photo must be precisely 50 mm wide and 70 mm high (2 inches wide by 2 3/4 inches high). The face—from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head—should measure between 31 mm and 36 mm.
Face Position
The applicant's face must be centred and directly facing the camera. It ensures both sides of the face are equally visible without tilt or turn. The full face must be visible, without any hair obscuring the facial features.
Background and Lighting
The background should be plain white or light-coloured, with no shadows, textures, or patterns. The lighting must be even and well-balanced, illuminating the face without causing glare, shadows, or overexposure.
Facial Expression
A neutral facial expression is mandatory. The mouth should be closed, and there should be no smiling, frowning, or exaggerated expressions. Both eyes must be open and visible.
Appearance and Posture
The head should be straight, not tilted, and the shoulders should be level. The posture should be natural, with the head and shoulders centred in the picture.
Glasses and Lens
If glasses are worn in a Canadian passport picture, they must not cause glare or reflections and should not cover the eyes. Tinted lenses and sunglasses are not permitted in passport images.
Facial Hair
Facial hair is allowed as per the photo requirements for a Canadian passport. If you have a beard or moustache, you can keep it in the picture–no need to shave it off.
Makeup and Jewellery
Makeup and jewellery should not significantly alter one’s appearance. Large, shiny, or reflective jewellery that might affect the photo's clarity should be avoided.
Head Covering
Head covering for religious or medical purposes is permissible but must not obscure facial features. The face must be visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead.
Photo Quality
The image should be of excellent quality, sharp, and printed on high-quality photographic paper. Any digital modifications or enhancements that alter the person's appearance are not permissible.
Altered Photo
Passport photo guidelines in Canada don’t allow digitally altered or enhanced pictures to change a person's appearance. It includes modifications to the complexion, face shape, eyes, or other features.
Recency and Validity
Photos must be recent, within the last six months to accurately reflect the applicant's current appearance.
Another essential requirement for taking photos for passport applications in Canada is that a commercial photographer should capture the picture. It means the images taken at home can only be accepted if they meet the requirements.
To meet this rule, you can use Pixelied to let you know if your photograph is fit for a passport application or needs to be retaken. The tool also makes auto-adjustments, such as changing the background, cropping, and adjusting position.
Number of Photos
Two identical photos are required for passport applications. These photos must meet all the specified criteria.
Passport Guarantor Signature
One of the passport photographs must be signed and dated on the back by a guarantor, as mentioned in the rules for passport photos in Canada. The guarantor confirms the applicant's identity and attests that the image is an accurate likeness. The guarantor must meet specific criteria set by the Canadian government.
Guidelines for Digital Passport Photos
Capturing the perfect digital passport photo is no longer just a formality; it's a crucial aspect of navigating the modern world. As identification requirements grow stricter, taking passport photos at home and adhering to specific guidelines can be challenging.
Here is what you should look out for in a digital passport photo:
- Photo Size: The picture must be at least 1800 pixels high by 1200 pixels wide and shouldn’t be greater than 4500 pixels high by 3000 pixels wide.
- File Format: The image should be in JPEG or JPG format, the standard for most digital photography. The file size should be between 200 KB and 4 MB.
- Resolution: Minimum resolution should be 600 pixels per inch. High resolution is necessary for clarity and sharpness in the printed version.
- Colour and Quality: The photo can be in colour or black and white. It should accurately represent the individual’s skin tone and be free of digital alterations that change the appearance.
- Background: The digital photos for the passport must have a plain white or light-coloured background with no patterns, shadows, or textures.
- Technical Aspects: Avoid any digital compression that significantly reduces image quality. The photo should retain its natural appearance after resizing or cropping. Scanned copies of the physical prints are not allowed.
Passport Size Photo Examples
Bad Passport Photos
Acceptable Passport Photos
Where to Get Passport Pictures in Canada?
In Canada, there are several options for getting passport images. Each has distinct advantages, disadvantages and pricing structures.
Shoppers Drug Mart
You can get a passport photo from Shoppers Drug Mart, as it offers the convenience of numerous locations across Canada. The cost is typically around CAD 19.99 per set. The service is quick, but the photo quality might vary since the staff isn’t always the same, which is a minor drawback.
London Drugs
London Drugs, primarily available in Western Canada, charges about CAD 15 per set. The price doesn’t include taxes. It’s renowned for its consistent photo quality and efficient service. However, the limited regional availability might be a disadvantage for those residing outside Western Canada.
Walmart
Walmart presents an affordable solution that meets Canadian passports' photo specifications, usually priced at CAD 16.97. Known for its widespread presence, Walmart offers speedy services at its numerous outlets, although the quality of photos may slightly differ between locations. The procedure for obtaining a passport-size photograph at Walmart has a unique approach. Customers use Walmart's portal to order and make payments online. Following this, the picture is taken at a Walmart location, and the printed copies are provided within minutes.
Staples
Staples is priced at approximately CAD 21.99 per set. Staples is known for reliable quality, quick processing, and following passport photo specifications. However, they have limited in-store photography services compared to specialised photo centres, which could be a limiting factor for some.
CAA
CAA passport photos are priced at CAD 19.95 + Tax. It is free for all CAA Plus, Premier and Corporate Members. The downside is the requirement of a CAA membership to access the discounts, and the number of locations is less compared to other nationwide chains.
UPS
UPS service is priced at approximately CAD 14.99-24.99 per set. While this option is slightly more expensive, it offers professional service quality and is convenient for those looking to ship passport applications directly.
Jean Coutu
Jean Coutu is an excellent option in Quebec and parts of New Brunswick. For a set of two passport photographs, they charge something between CAD 12 to CAD 15. They offer good quality photos, but their service is geographically limited to specific regions in Canada.
Superstore
Superstore is another affordable option to get passport photos, usually costing between CAD 10 to CAD 12 per set. It's convenient for those doing their regular shopping, although the quality and service level may vary from one location to another.
Special Guidelines for Baby Passport Photos
When it comes to taking passport photos of babies in Canada, particular guidelines must be followed to ensure passport authorities accept the images. These guidelines are designed to accommodate the challenges of photographing infants while maintaining the integrity of the passport photo standards.
- Firstly, the size requirement for baby passport photos is the same as for adults: 50 mm wide by 70 mm high. However, given the smaller size of a baby’s face, the picture must have the baby’s head measuring between 31 mm and 36 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
- One of the unique challenges with baby passport photos is ensuring the baby's face is visible and properly positioned. The baby's face should be visible and facing the camera. While it can be challenging to have infants hold a neutral expression, their mouths should be closed and their eyes ideally open. If the baby is very young, closed eyes are often acceptable.
- The acceptable passport photo background colors are plain white or light. Lighting is another critical factor. The photo should be evenly lit without shadows on the baby’s face or in the background. It might require some adjustments and trials to get it right, especially when taking the photo at home.
- The photo must be recent, ideally taken within the last six months, to accurately reflect the baby’s appearance.
Tips for Passport Photo of an Infant
Taking a passport-size picture of an infant can be especially tricky. Since babies cannot support themselves in the required position, they can be laid on a plain sheet. If a parent holds the baby, their hands must not be visible in the photo. Some parents find it helpful to lay the baby down and take the picture from above to meet this requirement.
How to Print a Passport Photo in Canada?
Printing an image in Canadian passport photo size involves several vital steps to ensure that the picture meets the strict criteria set by the government. First of all, you must be aware of the exact dimensions. Afterwards, find a trusted printing facility that won’t compromise the quality.
Choosing the Right Photo
Before printing, having a passport image that meets all the Canadian guidelines is essential. It includes the correct size, background, facial expression, and other passport photo rules. If the picture is taken digitally, ensure it adheres to digital photo guidelines.
Furthermore, before printing the image, you must find someone willing to provide you with a passport photo signature and become your guarantor.
Selecting a Printing Service
Choose a reliable printing service for passport-size photographs. It could be a professional photo studio, a pharmacy like Shoppers Drug Mart or London Drugs, or a retail store like Walmart or Staples. These places are familiar with passport-size picture requirements and can provide quality prints.
Verifying the Photo Quality
After printing, check the quality of the photo. Ensure it is clear, in focus, and free from any smudges or marks. The printed picture should accurately represent the colour and details of the original digital image. Any damage to the photo can result in it being rejected during the passport application process.
Preparing for Submission
If a guarantor’s signature is required on the picture, ensure it is signed and dated on the back of one of the photos. This step is crucial for the verification of the applicant's identity.
Get a Passport Size Photo Online
With Pixelied's online tool, getting your Canadian passport pictures is now more straightforward than ever. Simply upload your image from the comfort of your home and let Pixelied handle the rest. Our quick and user-friendly process ensures you receive your passport photo without any hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard size for a passport photo is 50 mm wide and 70 mm high. The image must clearly show the subject's face, measuring between 31 mm and 36 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
As per the Canadian passport picture rules, photos for a passport should be taken by a commercial photographer. So, if you take your image at home, it must meet the specific requirements for background, lighting, and size. It’s advisable to use a high-quality camera and ensure the picture adheres to the official guidelines.
The photo size required for a Canada visa is 35 mm by 45 mm. The face height, from chin to crown, must be between 31 mm and 36 mm.
For Canadian immigration photos, the required size is 50 mm wide by 70 mm high. The face from chin to crown must measure between 31 mm and 36 mm.
For a Canadian passport photo, avoid wearing uniforms or clothes that look like a uniform, clothing that blends into the background, and non-religious headgear. Bright, distracting patterns and revealing attire should also be avoided.
Glasses can be worn in Canadian passport photos, provided they do not create glare, and the eyes are visible. Still, it is best to avoid wearing glasses unless you have a medical reason. Tinted glasses and sunglasses are not allowed.
Passport photos in Canada must be taken within the last six months before the application date to reflect your current appearance.
Yes, you can wear makeup in a passport picture, but it should be light and natural-looking. Heavy makeup or any style that significantly alters your appearance is not recommended.
For a Canadian passport photo, it's best to wear everyday clothes. Avoid uniforms or clothes resembling uniforms and attire that match the background colour. Also, steer clear of overly bright or distracting patterns.
Yes, you can wear earrings in a passport picture. However, large, reflective earrings should be avoided as they might obscure the face or cause a glare.
Signing passport photos in Canada is an essential requirement. The guarantor must write on the back of one photo: "I certify that this is a true likeness of [applicant's name]." Then, they should sign and date the statement.
A guarantor, someone with an eligible profession or a Canadian passport holder who has known the applicant for at least two years, can sign passport pictures.
Yes, you can wear a hijab in your Canadian passport picture. The face must be visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead, and both edges of the face must be visible.
Yes, you can wear lipstick in a passport picture, but it should be of natural colour. Bold or unnatural lipstick colours that alter your usual appearance should be avoided.
You should maintain a neutral expression in a Canadian passport image with your mouth closed. A natural, unexaggerated smile is generally acceptable, but it's safer to avoid smiling.
Yes, digital passport photos are acceptable for Canadian passports if they meet the standard size and composition requirements.
The cost for a passport photo in Canada can vary, usually around CAD 10 to CAD 20, depending on the service provider and location.
Yes, you can take a passport photo with your phone, but ensure it meets all the required guidelines for size, background, lighting, and quality before submitting.