Free Canadian Passport Photo Maker
Use our free AI maker to snap and generate a compliant Canadian Passport photo. Exact 50x70mm (2x2.8 in) dimensions with a white background at 300 DPI.
Requirements Summary
Dimensions
50 x 70 mm
2 x 2.8 inches
Resolution
300 DPI
Min 591x827px
Background
White
Head Size
44% — 51%
of photo height
Eye Position
55%
from bottom
Official Requirements
- Photo must be 50×70 mm (2 inches × 2¾ inches)
- Plain white or light-coloured background
- Face height (chin to crown) must be 31–36 mm (44–51% of photo height)
- Two (2) identical and unaltered photos required
- Photos may be in colour or black and white
- Professionally printed on plain, high-quality photographic paper
- Neutral expression, both eyes open and clearly visible
- Head directly facing camera, face fully visible and centered
- No hats or head coverings (religious exceptions apply)
- No glasses (as of 2020, glasses are not permitted)
- Photo must not be more than six months old
- No retouching or digital alterations of any kind
Apply officially
Once your photo is ready, submit your application via the official Canada government portal.
Open official portal ↗Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Canadian passport photo?
A Canadian passport photo is 50×70 mm (2×2¾ inches). The face from chin to crown must measure 31–36 mm — strict, with very narrow tolerance. Two identical photos are required; both can be in colour or black-and-white. The same spec applies to Canadian Permanent Resident Card and citizenship application photos.
Why does Canada require the photographer to stamp the back of the photo?
IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) requires the photographer or studio to stamp or write on the back of one of the two printed photos: the date the photo was taken and the name and address of the photo studio. This proves the photo is recent and from a verified source. Self-printed photos at home are technically allowed but require manual back-of-photo notation.
Can I wear glasses in a Canadian passport photo?
No. IRCC banned eyeglasses from passport photos in July 2016 (and reinforced in 2020) to align with international biometric standards. Even prescription glasses must be removed. Sunglasses or tinted lenses are never accepted. Medical-necessity exceptions require a doctor's statement.
How recent must a Canadian passport photo be?
Within the last 6 months. IRCC checks the date stamped on the back of the printed photo. If your appearance has changed (hair color, weight, facial hair), retake even within the 6-month window — IRCC officers are trained to spot mismatches with the application photo.
Can a Canadian passport photo be black and white?
Yes — Canada is unusual in still allowing black-and-white photos for passport applications. Color is more common, but B&W is officially accepted as long as the photo meets size, head size, and paper quality rules. Most photographers shoot color anyway because it works for both Canadian and other applications.
Where can I get a Canadian passport photo taken?
Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart Photo Centre, and Costco (Canadian Costco still has photo centres) all take Service Canada-compliant photos for CAD $15–25. Most pharmacies near a Service Canada office stamp the back automatically. If you're overseas, format yourself and have a local studio stamp the back at the embassy appointment.
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Pro Tips
- Use natural, even lighting
- Keep a neutral expression
- Look directly into the lens
- Remove glasses and hats
