A rejected photo can delay your Canadian citizenship application by weeks. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has precise technical requirements for citizenship photos — and they check them. Getting the specifications right before you submit is one of the easiest ways to avoid unnecessary delays.
This guide covers the exact Canadian citizenship photo requirements, the most common reasons photos get rejected, and how to make sure yours passes.
You must submit two identical photos with your citizenship application. Both photos must meet all specifications described below. They must be true copies — taken at the same session, matching each other exactly.
Photos must be 50mm wide × 70mm tall (approximately 2 inches × 2¾ inches). This is different from passport photo size in some countries — don't use standard passport-size photos from another country's spec. Canadian citizenship photos are taller than most passport photos.
The face must occupy a specific portion of the frame:
Photos must have been taken within the last 6 months. Photos that don't reflect your current appearance will be rejected.
As of 2016, IRCC no longer accepts photos with glasses — even prescription glasses. This is a common source of confusion for applicants who have older application guides or outdated information. If you normally wear glasses, remove them for your citizenship photo. Period.
Exceptions are only made for documented medical reasons that prevent removal of glasses, supported by a medical certificate.
Head coverings are generally not permitted in Canadian citizenship photos. However, there are two exceptions:
In both cases, the face must be fully visible. Head coverings cannot cover any part of the face, chin, or ears.
The photographer or photo studio must write or stamp the following on the back of both photos:
This certification is required. If you're having photos taken at a major retailer (Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, Walmart, etc.) or a dedicated photo studio, they'll know to do this. If you're using a smaller studio or a photographer who's less familiar with Canadian government photo requirements, remind them.
Home-printed photos from consumer inkjet printers don't meet IRCC's photographic paper requirement. However, you can take your own digital photo and have it professionally printed if you use proper printing services (like those at pharmacies or photo print shops) on real photographic paper.
Practically speaking, for most people it's easier to just go to a pharmacy or dedicated photo studio that offers Canadian government photo services. They know the specifications, can guarantee the right dimensions, print on photographic paper, and will sign the back. The $10–$20 cost is worth not having your application returned.
If you do take your own photo:
There are two different photo requirements depending on what you're applying for:
The standard citizenship application — this uses the 50mm × 70mm spec described above.
If you're applying for a citizenship certificate (to prove existing citizenship, not obtain new citizenship), the photo requirements are the same: 50mm × 70mm, two photos, white background, photos taken within 6 months, photographer certification on back.
The specifications are identical — don't worry about different spec requirements between these two forms. Both use the same citizenship photo standard.
IRCC returns applications with non-compliant photos. Here are the issues that come up most often:
Using standard passport photo dimensions from another country (U.S. passport photos are 2" × 2" square; Canadian citizenship photos are 2" × 2¾" — taller, not square). Always verify the correct dimensions. Many photo studios in border communities near the U.S. get this wrong if you don't specify "Canadian citizenship photo."
The face height constraint (31–36mm) is checked. If you're standing too far from or too close to the camera, the face will be proportionally too small or too large. Professional photo studios calibrate for this; DIY photos often don't.
Shadows on the background (from the subject standing too close to a wall) or shadows on the face (from poor lighting) both trigger rejection. This is the most common technical failure in DIY photos.
Wearing glasses — even though it may have been acceptable under older rules. Remove glasses, full stop.
Photos more than 6 months old or photos that don't match the applicant's current appearance. If you've significantly changed your appearance (major haircut, facial hair change, significant weight change), retake photos.
Inkjet-printed photos from a home printer are not accepted. The texture and paper quality of home-printed photos is visibly different from professional photographic paper and IRCC will reject them.
No date, photographer name, or address on the back of the photos. Always verify this is there before submitting.
Most Canadian pharmacies and retailers offer government photo services:
When you ask for photos, say specifically: "Canadian citizenship application photos, 50mm × 70mm." Don't just ask for "passport photos" — the dimensions differ and not all staff will know to adjust.
If you're submitting your citizenship application online through the IRCC portal, you'll upload digital photos rather than submitting physical prints. The digital photo requirements include:
The content requirements (what's in the photo) are identical for digital and print — only the format and resolution specs differ.
Getting your photos right is only one part of the citizenship process. You'll also need to pass the Canadian citizenship test — a 45-minute, 20-question test on Canadian history, government, values, and rights. It's required for applicants between 18 and 54 years old.
Study Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship (the official study guide from IRCC), and make sure you know current Canadian political structure, historical events, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. The test isn't trivial — about 30% of first-time applicants don't pass.