An overview of requirements for Canadian photo documents.

Image quality

Your photos can be in colour or black and white, but they must meet the following standards.

• Photos should be taken on a plain white or light-coloured background.
• Be clear, sharp, and in focus.
• Have uniform lighting with no shadows, glare, or reflections.
• Show a clear distinction between your face and the background.
• Reflect on your natural skin tone.
• Printed on plain, high-quality photographic paper. Self-printed or heavy-weight paper photos are not accepted.
• Be original and unaltered by any editing software.
• Show your face and shoulders squarely to the camera, with no tilt.

Facial expression

A neutral facial expression is recommended for passport photos. Also, ensure the following are true.

• Your eyes are open and visible.
• You’re directly facing the camera.
• Your mouth is closed without smiling or frowning.

Exceptions and special considerations

• Glasses are permissible, provided they don’t cause glare and your eyes are visible.
• Hair can be styled as you prefer but shouldn’t cover your face.
• Religious and medical head coverings are allowed, but make sure your whole face is visible without casting shadows.
• Wheelchair users may use a white background or covering to ensure a clear contrast.

 

Guarantor Endorsement

One of your photos must be endorsed by your guarantor. This is someone who certifies your photo as a true likeness of you. They should write, “I certify this to be a true likeness of [person’s name]. The photographer’s details and the photo shoot date should also be mentioned on the back of the photo.

Canada photo documents for children

While the passport photo requirements for children are similar, there are slight differences. Submitting the correct photo should ensure your child’s passport application goes smoothly without delays in processing.

Here’s what you need to know about photo requirements for children:

• For newborns, you can take a photo while in a car seat with a white blanket behind their heads to ensure a clear background. Make sure no shadows are present in the image.
• Two identical and unaltered photos must accompany each passport application.
• Photos should be recent and taken no more than six months before the application.
• The photos must measure 50 mm by 70 mm (2 inches wide by 2¾ inches high).
• The child’s face height (chin to crown) must be between 31 and 36 mm (1¼ inches and 1⁷⁄₁₆ inches).

Image quality

The photos can be in colour or black and white but must also adhere to the following.

• Have a plain white or light-coloured background.
• Be clear, sharp, and in focus with uniform lighting.
• Show a clear distinction between the child’s face and the plain white or light-coloured background without shadows or reflections.
• Reflect the child’s natural skin tone.
• Print on plain, high-quality photographic paper. Self-printed or photos on heavy-weight paper are not accepted.
• A neutral facial expression is recommended: eyes open, directly looking at the camera, and mouth closed.
• Newborns and infants are allowed some leeway regarding facial expressions.

• Show the child’s face and shoulders centred and squared to the camera.
• Not show hands or any support (unless for medical reasons).

Special considerations

• Glasses are allowed as long as the eyes are visible without glare.
• Hair should not cover the child’s face.
• Head coverings for religious or medical reasons must not obscure the face.
• For wheelchair users, ensure a white background or covering is used.

 

Guarantor’s endorsement

Your guarantor must sign one of the photos, indicating, “I certify this to be a true likeness of [child’s name].” The photographer must also provide their details and the date the photo was taken on the back.

General tips for success with children

• Use a commercial photographer, studio, or an online application like passportphotos.com.
• For newborns, a car seat with a white blanket can create a suitable backdrop.
• A range of facial expressions is permissible for newborns since it can be challenging to capture a neutral expression.
• Attempt to photograph children when well-rested and content to increase the likelihood of a smooth session.
• For infants unable to sit up, laying them on a plain white or light-coloured sheet can offer a consistent backdrop. Ensure no other objects, including hands, are visible in the photo.
• With older children, explain the process to make them more cooperative.
• Use toys or attention grabbers just above the camera to help direct their gaze and keep their eyes open.
• Remember, the lighting should be even and soft, avoiding harsh shadows on the child’s face or the background.
• Avoid heavy clothing or accessories that obscure the child’s natural look.

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