Canada Visa Photo Requirements (IRCC): Size, Format, and File Guidelines
Updated guide for Canada visa (IRCC TRV / visitor visa / study permit / work permit photo upload requirements)
Key Summary: Canada visa photo is NOT 2x2 inch. It requires 35×45mm with strict head size rules and JPEG format for online submission.
1. Canada Visa Photo Size Requirements
| Item | Requirement |
|---|
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm) |
| Digital pixel size | Approx. 420 × 540 px minimum |
| Head size | 31–36 mm (chin to crown) |
| Background | Plain white or light gray |
| Expression | Neutral, no smile |
| Format | JPG / JPEG only |
| File size | Recommended 240KB – 4MB |
2. Why Canada Visa Photos Get Rejected
- Image too small or over-compressed
- Wrong aspect ratio (not 35:45)
- Shadow on face or background
- HEIC / PNG format instead of JPG
- Head too small or off-center
3. Recommended Compression Settings
To avoid IRCC rejection, use these optimized settings:
- Target size: 240KB (optimal balance for IRCC upload systems)
- Format: JPG (baseline compatibility)
- Quality: 80–90%
- Resolution: 600×800 recommended
Compress Canada Visa Photo
4. Digital Photo Rules (IRCC Official Behavior)
- Photo must be taken within last 6 months
- Face must be centered and fully visible
- No filters or editing allowed
- No glasses with glare
- No shadows behind head
5. How to Take a Proper Canada Visa Photo
- Stand in front of plain white wall
- Use natural light (avoid flash)
- Keep neutral expression
- Ensure full head and shoulders visible
- Upload and compress to 240KB
This page is optimized for IRCC Canada visa, TRV, study permit, and work permit applications.
FAQ
What is Canada visa photo size?
35×45 mm (not 2x2 inch)
What file size is accepted?
Recommended 240KB–4MB JPG
Can I use WebP or PNG?
No, IRCC prefers JPG format