Canadian Visa Photo
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Canada Visa Photo - Size & Requirements
Height: 45 mm
- Head height: 34.7 mm
- Top of the Photo to Top of the Hair: 3 mm
How to take a photo?
Canadian visa photo
If you are planning to get a Canadian visa, you must attach 2 (two) identical photographs of yourself to your application as they will serve to identify you at the Canadian border. However, you can’t submit just any photo, there are some strict requirements that must be met and it is a good idea for you to know them before applying for a visa. The Embassy or Consulate will control the received photos and evaluate whether or not they fulfill the requirements. If you fail to meet the requirements, your visa application process will be suspended until you submit the correct picture, which could cause you to miss out on your trip to Canada.
Canadian visa requirements in a nutshell
According to Canadian visa rules you must provide 2 (two) photographs of yourself. If you do not want to start your application process all over again (including paying the Canada visa fees) make sure that the photo you provide is 100% correct. The first step is to read our guidelines and the second is to download PhotoAiD to help ensure that your photo meets all official requirements . With our article, photo app and your smartphone, you will be able to create the perfect photo in just a couple of seconds, it really is that easy.
After reading our article you will know:
- the required size (in mm and inches) for a Canadian visa photo,
- how to pose for the camera,
- how to resize and crop a picture,
- the required background and how to obtain it,
- how you can avoid the most common mistakes,
- how to achieve 100% acceptance of your visa picture.
What do you need to remember whilst taking a visa photo?
There aren’t many rules for you to remember but the ones they do have are strictly enforced. Remember that your Canadian visa photo must be:
- taken within the 6 last months,
- in colour or black and white,
- 35mmx45mm (1⅜x 1¾ inches),
- sharp and in focus,
- properly exposed,
- on a white or lightly coloured background.
You will also need to know how to pose correctly and how your head must be positioned when taking the photo, how to correctly crop your image to ensure it fits the official requirements, as well as which objects or accessories are allowed or forbidden in your photo. We will go through this step by step to ensure that you have every piece of information available to you, and that your visa photo will come out looking perfect, ensuring that it will be accepted with your visa application.
Pose and composition
Once you are standing in front of the camera, remember not to tilt your head in any direction and look straight at the lens. You shouldn’t be too far or too close, just make sure that all of your head and the top of your shoulders are in the photo. The recommended distance is 0.5m from the background and approximately 1.5m from the camera. The photo must show the full frontal view of your head (only a front facing view is acceptable), with your face in the middle of the image.
Facial expression
Do not smile in the photo that will be used for your Canadian visa. Have a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed and eyes open. Smiling, frowning and making faces will result in the picture being rejected. Some people say that the biometric photo looks a bit like a mugshot and we agree. But that’s a requirement and it is demanded in order to facilitate the process of machine-reading of photos. Smiling might distort facial recognition, that’s why it is not allowed.
The perfect crop
In the picture you will be using, all of your head, along with your hair, must be visible, this also means that your neck and the upper part of the shoulders. The size of your head, from chin to crown must be between 31 mm and 34.7 mm. The recommended distance from the top of the photo to your crown is 3 mm. Does this sound complicated? The good news is that you do not need to remember these demands. It will be enough if you choose the necessary document on our website which, in this case, will be a Canadian visa, and our smart photo tool will automatically crop it according to the official requirements. The process is supported by amazing technology and AI, so you don’t even need to measure the dimensions as they are going to be just perfect!
Digital photo dimensions and size of Canadian visa photo
You can apply for a Canadian visa online and in such a situation you must upload a digital photo. This is an easy and fast way to send in your application but you must know what the requirements are for a digital photograph. The official Canadian visa digital photo specifications are as below:
- Resolution in dpi: 305
- Required size in kilobytes: 60 to 240
- Digital dimensions: 420 x 540 pixels
About colours
The main rules about colouring in the photo being used for a Canadian visa are simple.
- Your photo can be in colour or black and white.
- The background must be white or lightly coloured.
There isn’t any recommendation about the colour of clothing you must wear but our tip is to wear a dark top for better contrast. When it comes to the background, please, read the next paragraph.
Intelligent visa photo tool - background
As you already know, the photo background must be white or lightly coloured but there are some more requirements. It must be plain, free of patterns and shadows and no other people or objects can be visible behind you. In summary: they require a professional background. How to remove the background from your visa photo? Obtaining a professional background at home may be difficult. In fact, all you need to do is download our intelligent visa photo app and let it do the job. The artificial intelligence will do this in three seconds and you will receive a picture with the ideal, plain, white or lightly coloured background.
The best lighting
That’s right, the best lighting is always natural lighting. Our tip is to stand or sit approximately 1.5-2 metres from the window while taking the photo. The light in the picture must be evenly distributed on both sides of your face, this is so as to avoid shadows, which will cause your photo to be rejected. A flash lamp is not recommended as it will cause shining on the skin and an unnatural red eye effect. Apart from the fact that red eyes look unattractive, this effect will cause your visa photo to be rejected. Keep in mind that any shadows on your face are undesirable but an overexposed photo will not match the requirements either.
Allowed and forbidden objects
The most frequently asked questions regarding visa photos are about which items are allowed or not allowed in the photo.
Glasses
You may wear them if you wear them every day as they are part of your natural look. Remember that prescription glasses must be non-tinted and you must ensure that your eyes are clearly visible and that the frames do not cover any part of your eyes, especially your pupils. Sunglasses are not acceptable.
Hairstyle - wigs and hairpieces
Any hair accessory is acceptable as long as it does not disguise your normal appearance. Regardless of if you are wearing a wig, or have your natural hair on show, you must make sure that your hair does not obscure your face under your eyebrows in any way. If you have a beard we have good news as a beard is allowed in the visa picture, so there will be no need for you to shave it off.
Headcoverings
If you wear a head covering for religious reasons and it is a part of your attire, you may keep it on in the picture. Just make sure that your full face is clearly visible and that your facial features are not not obscured in any way.
However, if you are a keen follower of fashion and you like to wear any other kind of headwear, you will not be allowed to have them present in the photo, as they are forbidden and will cause your photo to be rejected.
Jewellery and piercings
There are no special rules about facial piercings and jewellery but one of the main requirements for biometric photos is that such accessories must not obscure your face or cause there to be any glare on the skin. So, if you have a facial piercing, you do not need to remove it. If you like jewellery, pick up some small pieces just to be sure that massive earrings or ear clips do not hang over your face and obscure it in any way.
Clothes
Generally speaking, you may wear what you wish for your Canadian visa photo. We recommend choosing something elegant or casual as you will be showing your visa to other people but this is absolutely up to you. A good idea is to wear a dark shirt or top so as to look better on the light background. Our advice is not to wear a tank top, especially if you do not want to look naked in your visa picture.
Mistakes that cause rejection
If you want to get your visa quickly and without problems, make sure that you are eligible, that you filled in the application correctly and that you attached 2 (two) identical photographs that completely match the requirements. If you haven’t done any of this correctly then your application will be rejected, and you will have to start all over again, including paying the Canada visa fees. To avoid errors, you should know what the most commonly made mistakes are, and luckily for you we made a list:
- your head is tilted or you are not facing the camera directly,
- there are patterns or shadows on the background,
- you are smiling, frowning, grimacing, or making any face other than a neutral expression,
- you are not looking straight at the camera,
- your face has partly been covered by anything from hair, headwear or jewellery,
- there is glare on your glasses or they are causing shadows to be cast on your face,
- your face is not centred.
Must nots
Remember that your photograph for a visa to Canada must not be:
- altered by any computer software,
- cut out from a bigger picture,
- badly exposed (underlit or overlit),
- washed out or blurred,
- damaged or scratched (if printed),
- printed on an inkjet printer.
Intelligent visa photo app
Taking the perfect shot for a Canadian visa does not need to be expensive or time-consuming. For those who don’t like to waste time we have really good news: you can get it done in 3 seconds and save a major part of the costs you would otherwise spend on a professional photography studio. The photo maker is available online and with its help you are able to:
- resize and correctly crop your photo,
- remove and change the background,
- ensure that you are submitting a picture that matches the requirements with 100% certainty.
Photo verification
As you know, the pictures that you attach to the application form must comply with the requirements we presented above. If they do not then you will be obligated to provide new photographs before your application can be processed. That is why we use artificial intelligence to check the photos produced on our website. Every photo that has been validated by our tool has a guarantee of being accepted. You may not remember the correct size or background colour, but once you have chosen your preferred document (we have many documents to choose from, not only visas but passports, licences and more) the technology will do the rest. You will receive a photo of guaranteed quality ready to send or print.
No money risk!
Still not convinced? Maybe this argument will work for you: we guarantee that you will receive your money back if, for some reason, the picture that we said was correct is rejected.All of our clients were fully satisfied and if they come back to us it is always because they need a picture for a different document.
Advantages of using our visa photo maker
It is simply not necessary to go to a shopping centre for shopping or waiting in line at many institutions any more. Now you can also take your perfect visa photo in the place of your choosing, wherever you have time and willingness. You do not need to risk getting infected and lose any of your precious time. Instead you have many new possibilities which are unavailable while taking a picture in a photo booth or photography studio. These are some of them:
- you can try on many outfits and hairstyles just to look perfect in the picture,
- you can correct your mistakes and pay only for the right shot,
- you do not need to care about a plain background, which is required. because it will be cut out and changed at the end for the right one,
- you will save your money because our price is very favourable for you,
- you may create your picture whenever you want, not when the photography studio is open and can fit you in,
- you will be rushed by absolutely nobody.
We believe that PhotoAiD editor is the best photography assistant that you can hire.
Photo app for iPhone and Android
If you are an owner of an iPhone or iPad, just download our photo app from the AppStore. For other models of smartphones such as Samsung, LG, Huawei, HTC, Lenovo and Sony you can download the photo editor from the Google Play Store.
Multiple-use template
Once you have ordered your visa photo you will receive a photo template at your email address. You can print this in a photo store in your neighbourhood or attach a digital picture while applying online. As biometric visa photos mainly have the same required size, crop and composition in many countries, you will be able to use it for your next trip if needed. And you will still only pay once!
Last update: 6/1/23
Frequently Asked Questions
💡 Is there a visa photo maker online available?
Sure there is! Check out our service and the possibilities that our photo app gives you. We promise that you will be satisfied!
💡 Where can I read opinions about your service?
On our site. All of those opinions come from our real and fully satisfied clients. We hope you will be one of them!
💡 Do you give a guarantee of photo acceptance?
Yes, we do! We are so sure that a picture that has been validated by our photo tool, supported by Artificial Intelligence, is always correct, and if not we will return your money. But don’t worry, this has never happened before!
💡 How can I verify if my Canadian visa photo is correct?
Use our photo validation tool and this will be done for you. The photo you order on our site is always the correct one and meets all the requirements.
💡 Where to download a Canada visa photo app?
Visit the AppStore or Google Play Store. Our App works perfectly for both Android and iOS.
💡 What is the required background colour in a Canadian visa photo?
The background must be white or lightly coloured. We recommend cream and light-grey. Be aware that, additionally, the background must be plain and free of shadows or patterns. The best way to get this quickly is to erase a bad background and change it into the right one with our photo background remover app.
💡 What is the price of a Canadian visa photo?
It depends where you get it taken. It will cost much more if you go to a professional photography studio, but you can save money by preparing the photo on your own. Do it with the smart photo app and you will pay just a small part of the usual price.
💡 Can I have my long hair down in a Canadian visa photo?
Yes, your hairstyle is totally up to you. However if your hair is luxurious then make sure that your face, along with your hair, fills no more than 70-80% of the whole image. Additionally, your hair (whether natural or a wig if you wear one) must not cover your face.
💡 I have a piercing, do I need to remove it for my Canadian visa photo?
If your facial piercing does not obscure your features and does not give off any glare, or cast a shadow on your skin, then you don’t need to remove it.
💡 Where to print my Canadian visa photo with a template?
As inkjet printers are not suitable for printing pictures for official documents, you will need to find a photo store where you will have the possibility to print your image on high quality paper.
💡 What are the requirements for a digital Canada visa photo?
The requirements for a digital photo for your Canadian visa are as follows:
- a resolution in dpi of 305,
- a size in kilobytes of no less than 60 and no more than 240,
- digital dimensions of 420 x 540 pixels.
If you are using our app in order to resize your photo then you will be forgiven for not memorising the above information, as our app will resize your photo to fit the requirements automatically.
💡 How will I receive my photo?
After submitting payment you are going to receive a template of the photo that you have taken, and had edited and verified, straight to your email address.
💡 Where to take a Canadian visa photo near me?
You do not need to look for your closest photography studio or photo booth any more. You can prepare your visa photo wherever you want, at your home, office or garden. All you need is a phone with a camera and an online visa photo maker.
💡 How many pictures do I need to attach to my Canadian visa application?
Two, and they must be identical.
💡 What should I wear or not wear for the Canadian visa photo?
Don’t worry, this isn’t a fashion show, so you have no need to worry about what you’re wearing, as there are no official rules regarding the dress code. It’s simply a case of wearing whatever you like and feel most comfortable in. However, we do advise that you wear more colourful or darker clothing so as to contrast with the background, or you risk looking like a floating head. We also advise against tank tops or any clothing with plunging necklines as they will make you look naked.
💡 Can I wear a cap in my Canada visa photo?
No. Any fashionable head coverings such as caps or hats are not acceptable.
💡 Headscarves and hijabs in Canadian visa photos - are they allowed?
All headgear that is used as a part of religious attire, such as a yarmulke, headscarf, hat etc. are allowed while taking an official photograph for a Canadian visa.
💡 What about eyeglasses in the photo for my Canadian visa?
Tinted glasses and sunglasses are strictly forbidden. You may keep your prescription glasses on under the condition that they do not obscure your eyes and do not give off any glare or cast shadows on your face.
💡 I have a beard - should I shave it for my Canadian visa photo?
No, there is no requirement that states your beard must be shaved off for your visa photo.
💡 Is smiling allowed in Canadian visa photos?
No, you have to maintain a neutral facial expression with a closed mouth and look straight at the camera.
💡 How to correctly crop my Canadian visa photo?
Your head, neck and upper part of your shoulders must fill 70-80% of the image. The best way to obtain this image is to stand 0.5 metres away from the background and 1.5 metres from the camera. But if your head is too small, do not worry, you can crop it automatically with our photo cropping tool.
💡 How big must the head be in a Canadian visa photo?
The required size of the head, from chin to crown, is 31-34.7 mm. You should also keep in mind that the recommended distance from the top of the photo to the top of the head is 3 mm.
💡 Which are the required dimensions in mm and inches for a Canadian visa photo?
The required size of the photo is 35mm x 45mm (1⅜ x I¾ inches).
💡 Can I apply online for a Canadian visa?
Yes, you can. You can choose whether to upload your digital picture to the application form you send online or print it off and attach it to your paper application.
💡 Can I take a photo for a Canadian visa with my Iphone?
Of course you can. And not only with the iPhone, it is possible, and recommended, with every smartphone.
💡 Can the photo for a Canadian visa be black and white?
Yes. It is allowed and you may choose if you attach a color or black and white photo.
About the document
Canadian visa
Canada is a country situated in the northern part of North America covered by freshwater lakes with beautiful landscapes and modern cities. Every year millions of voyagers cross the Canadian border wanting to visit national parks, great lakes and volcanoes, or spend quality time in one of its cities full of entertainment and cultural events. Every foreign citizen, except for nationals of 55 eligible visa exempt countries, has to obtain a temporary resident visa if they wish to enter this country. Visas are issued by Canadian embassies.
Only permanent residents of the United States of America do not need to do anything besides proving their US residency.
Electronic Travel Authorization
Aside from US citizens and permanent residents, all visa-exempt travellers to Canada are required to obtain an ETA - Electronic Travel Authorization.
The ETA is not officially classified as a visa document as it is a kind of pre-arrival registration required for foreign travellers crossing the Canadian border. It is for travellers from visa-free countries entering Canada by air, except for US nationals who can travel to Canada with only a passport. Tourists arriving by land or sea do not need an ETA.
Canada does not implement exit protocols at land borders.
Visa-free countries
There is a list of 55 countries and territories whose citizens are able to visit Canada without obtaining a visa for a period of up to 6 months. They are required only to obtain an ETA if arriving by air.
The list of visa exempt countries:
- All European Union countries
- Andorra
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Brunei
- Chile
- Hong Kong
- Iceland
- Israel
- Japan
- Liechtenstein
- Mexico
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Papua New Guinea
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Vatican City
In addition, passengers who are on a flight that originates from or travels to the United States and stops in Canada for refuelling do not need an ETA. This also includes travellers on a flight that has made an emergency landing in one of the Canadian airports.
Eligibility
The first condition to be eligible for a Canadian visa is to be in good health, in some cases a medical exam or a letter of invitation may be required. The second is proving that you have enough money for the duration of your stay in Canada. A visitor will also need to convince an immigration officer that he/she has a job, home, financial assets or family ties that will prove they are not going to stay in Canada and will, in fact, return home.
The important thing is that an immigration officer can limit the period of time that a visitor may enter the country for.
US citizens
Every person that can prove their permanent residence in the United States may enter Canada with just a passport. No visa or travel authorization is required for them. In fact it is technically impossible to apply for an ETA or visa while being a US national or citizen.
Canadian temporary visa types
The Canadian government defines a temporary resident, as opposed to a permanent resident, as “a foreign national who is legally authorized to enter Canada for temporary purposes".
There are six types of temporary residents:
- Visitor visas,
- Student visas,
- Work visas,
- Permanent Residence visas,
- Business Immigrant visas,
- Express Entry Program visas.
You have to choose the visa that best fits your reasons for going to Canada. For visiting purposes the best is a Canada tourist visa.
Canadian tourist visa
This visitor visa, or the tourist visa, allows its holder to enter Canada for the purposes of tourism, holidays in Canada or visiting family.
Those who need a Canadian visa may apply for it online or in person at one of the visa application centres.
This type of visa is not a guarantee of entry to the country. It only allows you to go to a Canadian port of entry and ask for permission to enter the country. A Border Patrol Officer will decide whether to grant or deny you entry based on your documents and your situation.
Once you enter the country, you are allowed to travel around Canada for 6 months as long as you are in good financial standing. You are not allowed to work or study, and you will not be allowed to file for health care or other governmental benefits.
CAN+ Program
If you have visited Canada in the last 10 years or you have a valid US visa you may be a member of a program known as CAN+. This program is available at certain visa offices and for nationals of certain countries. If you are eligible to apply through CAN+, all you need to do is to submit proof of travel to the US or Canada and be able to submit proof of enough financial stability to support yourself during your entire stay.
Required documents
To apply for a Canadian visa, whether you are choosing to apply online or in person, you must submit:
- a valid passport,
- a Canada visa application form,
- visa fee receipt,
- 2 colour or black and white photographs meeting all the requirements,
- identity and civil status documents,
- proof of clean criminal record,
- proof of being in good health through a medical exam,
- a bank statement or a letter of employment showing annual earnings,
- a return flight ticket to prove that you will return to your home country once the Canadian visa expires,
- a cover letter that explains the purpose of your trip to Canada,
- a letter of support/invitation to Canada if you are going to visit family or friends.
Visa processing time
The Canadian tourist visa processing time depends on the country you live in and ranges from 8 to 40 days. The best idea is to start the process at least 6 weeks before your planned trip to Canada.
Validity
With the Canadian tourist visa, you can stay in the country for a maximum of 6 months. You must leave Canada before your visa expires. After some time you can return to Canada again for 6 months thanks to the CAN+ program.
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