Canada Visa Photo — 35×45 mm for IRCC and Print

What Size Is a Canada Visa Photo? 35×45 or 50×70? (2026)

This is the single most common source of confusion online: many guides say "50×70 mm" for a Canadian photo. That is correct for the Canadian PASSPORT and the Permanent Resident Card, but WRONG for a Canadian VISA application. The official "Temporary Resident Visa application photograph specifications" document on Canada.ca states word-for-word: "The frame size must be at least 35 mm x 45 mm (1 3/8″ x 1 3/4″)." This size applies to TRV visas, Study Permits, Work Permits and Express Entry (FSW/CEC/FST) applications alike. Primary source: Canada.ca TRV Photograph Specifications.

Head height (chin to crown) is 31-36 mm — the same band as a Schengen visa photo. Canada's real distinguishing rules are elsewhere: the glasses policy (below) and the paper back-of-print rule. Printing at the wrong size and applying causes the file to be returned with "provide new photographs" — often weeks of delay, especially damaging during an Express Entry ITA window.

Are Glasses Allowed on a Canada Visa Photo?

Short answer: YES, conditionally. This is an important rule that separates Canada from the US and UK visas. The Canada.ca TRV document states exactly: "You may wear non-tinted prescription glasses as long as your eyes are clearly visible. Make sure that the frame does not cover any part of your eyes. Sunglasses are not acceptable." Non-tinted prescription glasses are accepted on three conditions: pupils clearly visible, frame not covering any part of the pupil, no lens glare.

Sunglasses, tinted lenses and coloured contact lenses are rejected in every case. In Canada mode, our analysis does not raise an automatic rejection for glasses; it only checks glare and whether the frame crosses the eye. A religious headscarf is also accepted — forehead, jawline and face contour must remain fully visible. For an international comparison of glasses policies see the 35×45 mm size guide.

What Does IRCC Require? Visa, Passport and PR Compared

The head-height band is the same (31-36 mm) across all IRCC documents; the FRAME size differs. As the table shows, a Canadian VISA requires 35×45 mm; 50×70 mm is only for citizenship, PR Card and the Canadian passport. vesikalik.com.tr automatically applies the correct size for the document you pick; the same source photo can serve both a TRV (35×45) and a later PR application (50×70).

The "back-of-print" rule is identical across 5 of the 6 document types: the back of one photo must show the applicant's NAME + DATE OF BIRTH + photography studio NAME and FULL ADDRESS + DATE the photo was taken. Only the Express Entry digital application replaces the printed back with a "confirmation document" upload (a studio receipt or equivalent). Detailed guidance: Canada.ca Permanent Resident photos.

What Goes on the Back of the Print? The IRCC-Specific Rule

This is the most distinctive rule that sets Canada apart from other big visa authorities: four pieces of information must appear on the back of the physical print — (1) the applicant's name, (2) date of birth, (3) name and FULL address of the photography studio, and (4) date the photo was taken. The photographer may use a stamp or handwrite these details; **stick-on labels are NOT accepted**. A guarantor signature is NOT required — this is often confused with citizenship applications.

vesikalik.com.tr's print package prints this information directly on the back: the name, date of birth and shoot date entered with the order, plus the studio name and full address; no stick-on label is used. For digital submissions (IRCC portal) you upload a document that contains the same information (a photo receipt, shoot confirmation) into the "back of photo" field; our system handles that automatically. Source: Canada.ca — back-of-photo requirements.

Express Entry and Family Applications: How to Shoot Efficiently?

After the Express Entry Invitation to Apply (ITA), a separate 35×45 mm photo is needed for each spouse, child and dependant. The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and reflect the "current appearance" — shooting right before the file is submitted (usually within 2 months of ITA) is safest. For family applications, several people can be photographed in one session; vesikalik.com.tr processes 4-5 people in the same session and produces separate JPEGs per person.

For infants and children, IRCC allows extra tolerances (expression and eye-openness for under 6); the country-by-country baby rule table in our baby passport photo guide covers Canada as well. From the same source photo we can also produce US B1/B2 (51×51 mm) or UK ETA/visa (35×45 mm, cream background) versions — Canada TRVs are often filed alongside US B1/B2 because transit routes via the US are common.