Canada Visa Photo Requirements (for Indian Applicants)

Size	50×70mm (unique Canadian format)
Background	Plain white or light colour
Glasses	Not permitted (since 2017)
Head height	31-36mm from chin to crown
Digital	420×540 to 4800×6000px, max 4MB

⚠️ Unique size—different from ALL other countries (Indian, US, UK, Schengen).

Canada Visa Photo Requirements for Indian Applicants

Applying for a Canadian visa (visitor, student, or work permit) from India? Canada uses a unique 50×70mm photo format that doesn't match any other country. Here's exactly what you need.

⚠️ Canada Uses a Unique Size

Canada photos are 50×70mm—different from Indian (51×51mm), US (51×51mm), UK (35×45mm), AND Schengen (35×45mm). You cannot reuse photos from other visa applications.

Why Canada's Size is Different

Document	Size	Shape	Works for Canada?
Canada Visa	50×70mm	Tall rectangle	✓
Indian Passport	51×51mm	Square	✗
US Visa	51×51mm	Square	✗
UK/Schengen Visa	35×45mm	Rectangle	✗

Canada's 50×70mm format (ratio 5:7) is taller and narrower than other countries. This unique requirement means you need a Canada-specific photo.

Same Photo for All Canada Applications

The 50×70mm requirement applies to all Canadian applications:

Visitor Visa

TRV Tourism

Study Permit

Students

Work Permit

Employment

Express Entry

PR Application

Family Class

Sponsorship

Super Visa

Parents/Grandparents

Detailed Canada Photo Requirements

Size: 50×70mm (about 2×2.75 inches)

Taller than US/Indian photos. 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. Our AI ensures exact positioning.

Background: Plain white or light colour

No patterns, shadows, or other people. Light-coloured backgrounds accepted (more flexible than US).

No glasses (since November 2017)

Glasses are not permitted—even clear prescription lenses. Remove all eyewear.

Neutral expression, mouth closed

No smiling with teeth. Natural, neutral expression looking directly at camera.

No red-eye

Canada specifically rejects photos with red-eye effect. Use natural lighting or ensure flash doesn't cause red-eye.

Digital upload: For online applications, upload a JPEG file, 420×540 to 4800×6000 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 (50×70mm guaranteed)
Local photo studios: Most don't stock this size—call ahead and verify
Online tools: Upload a selfie, get formatted 50×70mm photo

Challenge: Most Indian studios don't stock 50×70mm 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 (50×70mm) recommended as backup
✓ Valid passport with at least 2 blank pages
✓ Biometrics instruction letter from IRCC
✓ Appointment confirmation from VFS

Note: VFS centres can take photos on-site (₹300-400), but wait times can be long and availability varies. Having your own compliant photos saves time.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Canada visa and passport photos must be 50×70mm—a unique rectangular format that is different from Indian (51×51mm), US (51×51mm), UK (35×45mm), and Schengen (35×45mm) photos. This is Canada-specific.

Can I use my Indian passport photo for Canada visa?

No. Indian passport photos are 51×51mm (square), while Canada requires 50×70mm (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 50×70mm spec, or online tools like ours ($1/~₹83). Most Indian studios don't stock 50×70mm—verify before going.

What digital format is required for Canada visa online application?

JPEG format, minimum 420×540 pixels, maximum 4800×6000 pixels. File size must be under 4MB. The aspect ratio must be exactly 5:7.

Create Canada Visa Photo