Canada Visa Photo Requirements India: 50x70mm Size & Specs (2026)

Canada Visa Photo Requirements for Indian Applicants

Applying for a Canadian visa (visitor, student, or work permit) from India? Canada uses a unique 50x70mm photo format that doesn't match any other country. Here's exactly what you need.

Canada Uses a Unique Size

Canada photos are 50x70mm — different from Indian (51x51mm), US (51x51mm), UK (35x45mm), AND Schengen (35x45mm). You cannot reuse photos from other visa applications.

Size	50x70mm (unique Canadian format)
Background	Plain white or light colour
Glasses	Not permitted (since 2017)
Head height	31-36mm from chin to crown
Digital	420x540 to 4800x6000px, max 4MB

Why Canada’s Size is Different

Canada’s 50x70mm format (ratio 5:7) is taller and narrower than other countries. This unique requirement means you need a Canada-specific photo:

Canada Visa	50x70mm — Tall rectangle
Indian Passport	51x51mm — Square (incompatible)
US Visa	51x51mm — Square (incompatible)
UK/Schengen Visa	35x45mm — Rectangle (incompatible)

Same Photo for All Canada Applications

The 50x70mm requirement applies to all Canadian applications: Visitor Visa (TRV Tourism), Study Permit, Work Permit, Express Entry (PR Application), Family Class (Sponsorship), and Super Visa (Parents/Grandparents).

Detailed Canada Photo Requirements

Size: 50x70mm (about 2x2.75 inches) — The 5:7 aspect ratio is unique to Canada
Head height: 31-36mm from chin to crown — Face must occupy about 44-51% of the photo height
Background: Plain white or light colour — No patterns, shadows, or other people
No glasses (since November 2017) — Even clear prescription lenses must be removed
Neutral expression, mouth closed — No smiling with teeth
No red-eye — Canada specifically rejects photos with red-eye effect

Digital upload

For online applications, upload a JPEG file, 420x540 to 4800x6000 pixels, under 4MB. The aspect ratio must be exactly 5:7.

Where to Get Canada Visa Photos in India

VFS Global Canada centres: Available at your biometric appointment (50x70mm guaranteed)
Local photo studios: Most don’t stock this size — call ahead and verify
Online tools: Upload a selfie, get formatted 50x70mm photo

Challenge

Most Indian studios don’t stock 50x70mm format. They may offer to “crop” a larger photo, which often results in wrong proportions. Always verify the exact size before printing.

VFS Global Canada India Tips

VFS Global operates Canada visa application centres in major Indian cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Ahmedabad, Pune). For biometrics appointments:

Digital photo uploaded to your IRCC online application before appointment
2 printed photos (50x70mm) recommended as backup
Valid passport with at least 2 blank pages
Biometrics instruction letter from IRCC
Appointment confirmation from VFS

Sources: IRCC: Canadian Passport Photo Requirements, VFS Global Canada

Frequently Asked Questions

What size photo do I need for Canada visa from India?

Canada visa and passport photos must be 50x70mm — a unique rectangular format that is different from Indian (51x51mm), US (51x51mm), UK (35x45mm), and Schengen (35x45mm) photos. This is Canada-specific.

Can I use my Indian passport photo for Canada visa?

No. Indian passport photos are 51x51mm (square), while Canada requires 50x70mm (tall rectangle). You need a separate photo taken to Canadian specifications.

Can I wear glasses in my Canada visa photo?

No. Since November 2017, glasses are not permitted in Canadian visa and passport photos. Remove all eyewear before taking your photo.

What background is required for Canada visa photos?

Plain white or light-coloured background with no patterns or shadows. Unlike US which is strict white-only, Canada accepts 'light-coloured' backgrounds.

Where can I get Canada visa photos in India?

VFS Global Canada centres (₹300-400), local studios (₹100-200) if they know the 50x70mm spec, or online tools like ours ($1/~₹83). Most Indian studios don't stock 50x70mm — verify before going.

What digital format is required for Canada visa online application?

JPEG format, minimum 420x540 pixels, maximum 4800x6000 pixels. File size must be under 4MB. The aspect ratio must be exactly 5:7.