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CANADA / PASSPORT

Canadian passport · digital photo requirements

Photo dimensions, format and submission guidance for your application.

2:3 ratioDigitalPhotographer required

A professional photographer must take your digital photo in person. Digital renewal has different framing from printed passport photos.

See your photo route Guidance only · This route cannot be completed in Merodim
Square framing
Document photo framing example

Photo framing example

SPECIFICATIONS

Photo requirements

Read the official source
Dimensions2:3 ratio
FramingHead: 45–50% of image height
BackgroundPlain, light background
Format & filePortrait 2:3 ratio; consult the digital specifications
Photo routePhotographer required
Source reviewedOctober 1, 2026
BEFORE YOU UPLOAD

Prepare a suitable original

Start with a sharp, recent photograph of one person, facing the camera. Keep the face visible and lighting even. Leave room around the head and shoulders so the photo can be framed without stretching it.

Check the application route

A professional photographer must take your digital photo in person. Digital renewal has different framing from printed passport photos.

Keep your appearance natural

Keep the original background and your natural facial features. Avoid beauty filters, facial retouching or invented detail. If the lighting or background does not meet the requirements, take a new photograph.

Review the preview

The preview detects a face and suggests a crop for the selected shape. Head positioning is approximate. It does not verify all requirements, issue an official photo code or guarantee acceptance. Review the original against the official guidance before submitting your final photo.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Primary source for this guide.

Check the latest instructions ↗

Frequently asked questions

What size is the Canadian passport photo (digital)?

This profile uses 2:3 ratio for the digital route. A professional photographer must take your digital photo in person. Digital renewal has different framing from printed passport photos.

Can I submit the preview?

No. Previews are small and permanently watermarked. They help you inspect framing, but are not final application photos or evidence of compliance.

Who makes the final acceptance decision?

The authority receiving your application. Read its current instructions, including the rules for the particular submission route, before applying.

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