Canadian Citizenship Photo (printed, 50 x 70 mm): size and requirements
The Canadian Citizenship Photo size is 50 x 70 mm (1.97 x 2.76 inches). Plain white or light-coloured background; head 44 to 52 percent of the photo height. Photo taken within the last 6 months. Last verified 2026-10-07 against Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
For the two printed photos sent with a paper citizenship grant application. Not for the online citizenship application, which uploads one digital photo, and not for a passport, which uses the same size but a different back-of-photo requirement.
Have the photos taken and printed by a commercial photographer or studio, who writes their name, address and the date on the back of one print. See all Canada documents.
Requirements at a glance
- Size
- 50 x 70 mm (1.97 x 2.76 inches)
- Head height
- Head 44 to 52 percent of the photo height (the height of the face measures between 31 mm (1-1/4 inches) and 36 mm (1-7/16 inches) from chin to crown of head (natural top of head))
- Background
- plain white or light-coloured background
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open, looking at the camera
- Glasses
- Allowed without glare or tint
- Head covering
- Only for religious or medical reasons; full face visible
- Photo age
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Prints needed
- 2
- We deliver
- 591 x 827 px (300 DPI), plus a 4 x 6 inch print sheet
What trips people up
- CheckIRCC says citizenship photos do not use the same specifications as passport photos: the back of one print must carry your name, the photographer or studio's name and full address, and the date.
- CheckIRCC tells you to go to a commercial photographer or studio and will return the application if the photos do not meet the specifications.
- CheckPrints must be professionally printed on plain, high-quality photographic paper.
- CheckAny alteration, including background changes or removing shadows, is a reason for return. Keep the original background.
Known portal issues
- Note
Photos processed by online photo web services are not acceptable
Take the file to a photo lab counter (many pharmacies and camera shops have one) rather than a self-service kiosk. Read the fix
Source and verification
Read from the official page. Last checked 2026-10-07 at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
You must provide 2 identical colour (printed) photos.
Go to a commercial photographer or studio to have your photos taken.
50 mm wide X 70 mm high (2 inches wide X 2- 3/4 inches long)
The height of the face measures between 31 mm (1-1/4 inches) and 36 mm (1-7/16 inches) from chin to crown of head (natural top of head)
be professionally printed on plain, high quality photographic paper
Citizenship photos do not use the same specifications as passport photos.
We are an independent service, not a government website. Applying for a passport or visa is done with your government; we only prepare the photo.
Frequently asked questions
