Visa · Canada
Canada Visa Photo Size
A printed Canada visitor visa photo must be 35 mm wide by 45 mm high, with the head between 31 and 36 mm from chin to crown and on a plain, light-coloured background. This is the rule published by the Government of Canada (IRCC), last checked by Maru on 10 October 2026. Maru resizes and checks your photo to match, in your browser.
RequirementCanada Visa Photo Size
Drop a photo here, or take one.
JPG, PNG, WebP or HEIC · stays on this device
3 rules to meet
- Print size35 × 45 mm
- BackgroundPlain, light-coloured
- Head size (guide)31–36 mm
Processed on this device. Nothing is uploaded.
02 — Requirement
The rule, from the source
| Rule | Official value | Also expressed as |
|---|---|---|
| Photo size | 35 mm × 45 mm | 1.38 × 1.77 in · 413 × 531 px at 300 dpi (conversion) |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 31 mm–36 mm | — |
| Background | Plain, light-coloured | — |
03 — How to
Get it right the first time
- 01Take a photo facing the camera against a plain, light wall, or choose one you already have.
- 02Drop it into the tool above. Nothing is uploaded; it stays on your device.
- 03Drag and zoom until your head sits inside the guide.
- 04Press Fix & check. Maru resizes and compresses it, then grades every rule.
- 05Download the file and upload it to your application.
Common reasons photos are rejected
- The frame is smaller than 35 mm by 45 mm.
- The head, from chin to crown, is outside 31–36 mm. On a small 35 × 45 mm frame that leaves little room, so crop tightly.
- The background is not plain white or light-coloured.
- A digital photo was altered. IRCC says digital photographs must not be altered in any way.
- A Canadian passport-size print (50 × 70 mm) was submitted instead of the visa size.
04 — Questions
Canada Visa Photo Size: questions
What size is a Canada visa photo?
The frame must be at least 35 mm by 45 mm, according to IRCC's temporary resident visa photo specifications.
Is it 35 × 45 mm or 50 × 70 mm?
35 × 45 mm is the visa photo frame. 50 × 70 mm is the Canadian passport photo. They are easy to mix up.
How big should my head be?
Between 31 mm and 36 mm from chin to crown, which is most of the frame's height.
How do I print it at the right size?
Maru exports 413 × 531 pixels, which is 35 × 45 mm at 300 dpi. Print at 100% scale with no 'fit to page'.
Can I edit or retouch the photo?
No. IRCC says digital photographs must not be altered in any way. Maru only crops, resizes and compresses.
Does Maru upload my photo?
No. Everything happens in your browser.
05 — Related
Other requirements
Not listed? Use your own rules →