Canada welcomes over 1 million tourists from India annually, a testament to the strong ties between the two nations. Before embarking on your Canadian adventure, ensure that your visa photo meets all the necessary criteria for size, format, background, and more.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Canada visa photo requirements for Indian travelers.
Canada Visa Photo Format Requirements
| Visa Type | Photo Form | Quantity | Format | File Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist | Electronic | 1 photo | JPEG or JPEG 2000 | Minimum 60 KB, Maximum 240 KB |
| Tourist | Physical | 2 photos | Printed on quality photographic paper | N/A |
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Canada Visa Photo Size & Requirements
Adhering to the precise photo specifications set by the Canadian embassy is crucial for a smooth visa application process. Here are the key guidelines:
- Photo size in mm: 35 mm in width and 45 mm in height.
- Photo size in cm: 3.5 cm in width and 4.5 cm in height.
- Photo size in inches: 1 3/8 inches in width and 1 3/4 inches in height.
- Photo size in pixels: Minimum resolution of 420 x 540 pixels.
- Photo age: Taken within the last 6 months.
- Photo color: Either color or black and white, but must be clear and well-defined.
- Background requirements: Plain white or light-colored background, no shadows, patterns, or objects.
- Lighting: Uniform lighting, no shadows on the face or background, no reflections or glare.
- Photo Quality: Use high-quality photo paper. Ensure the photo is free of creases or damage. No airbrushing, filters, or alterations allowed.
Facial Appearance & Size of the Photo
When taking your photo for Canada tourist visa requirements, ensure that:
- Your face takes up 60-70% of the total image area.
- The size of your head, from chin to crown, is between 31 mm (1 1/4″) and 36 mm (1 7/16″).
Face Orientation – Head Positioning and Alignment
The Canada visa photo guidelines emphasize:
- Your head should be held straight, not tilted to the side, up, or down.
- The photo orientation must be portrait.
- A clear, front view of your face is required, from the bottom of your chin to the crown of your head.
- Both sides of your face should be clearly visible.
- Tilting of the face or off-center alignment may result in the rejection of your application.
Facial Expression
Your facial expression must be neutral when taking official photos for Canada visa requirements. Here are some key guidelines:
- Maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed.
- Your eyes should be fully open, looking directly at the camera.
- Smiling, frowning, or squinting is not allowed according to the standards for a Canada tourist visa photo.
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Canada Visa Photo Attire & Accessories
The Canada visa photo specifications for Indians state that attire and accessories play a crucial role. Here are the key points:
Attire
- Wear clothes that contrast with the white background, preferably in dark or bright colors.
- Opt for neat, everyday attire that represents your usual appearance. Avoid overly formal or extremely casual clothes.
- A tie or bow tie is optional. If worn, ensure it doesn’t distract from your face.
- Uniforms are not permitted in Canada visa passport photos.
Accessories
The Canada visa photo requirements allow accessories but with certain limitations. Many people wear accessories that can alter or enhance their facial features, which can cause significant issues with biometric recognition and may lead to visa rejection.
Here are the rules mentioned in the guidelines:
Glasses/Spectacles
- Avoid wearing glasses for visa photos whenever possible.
- You may wear glasses only for medical reasons, and the lenses must be clear without any reflection or glare.
- Tinted glasses or sunglasses are strictly prohibited as they obscure the eyes, leading to visa rejection.
Health Accessories
- Hearing aids are allowed as per photo specifications for your Canada tourist visa, as long as they do not interfere with facial recognition.
Jewelry
- Minimal jewelry is usually allowed when taking photos for your Canada tourist visa. Your jewelry should not obscure your face or cast shadows.
- Avoid large, dangling earrings and excessive facial jewelry that may cause distractions.
Headwear
- Headwear is not permitted unless it is worn for religious reasons.
- Religious headwear, such as a turban or hijab, is allowed as long as the full face is visible, as per the facial recognition rules.
Is Makeup Permitted in Photos for Canada Visa Applications?
Makeup is allowed in Canada visa photos as long as it does not significantly alter your natural appearance or obscure your facial features.
Avoid excessive makeup, false eyelashes, bright lipstick, or any products that create unnatural shading. The goal is to ensure that your facial features are clearly recognizable.
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Canada Visa Photo Requirements for Newborns/Babies Under One Year of Age
Taking a baby’s photograph for a visa can be challenging, so the Canada visa photo guidelines offer some flexibility:
- The baby’s eyes should preferably be open, but it is not mandatory.
- Babies can be photographed while sitting in a chair or lying on a flat surface.
- The background should be plain white, without any visible support.
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Reasons for Canada Visa Photo Rejections
To obtain a visa for Canada, it’s essential to follow the Canada visa photo requirements closely. Common reasons for Canada visa photo rejections include:
- Photos that do not meet the specified dimensions will be rejected.
- Photos with off-white, cream, or any background color other than plain white will result in visa rejection.
- Backgrounds with shadows, objects, or patterns will lead to visa rejection.
- Uneven lighting, glare, reflections, or red-eye effects will make the photo unacceptable, resulting in rejection.
- Photos with a tilted or turned head, or where the face is obstructed by accessories, will not be accepted.
- Printed photos with creases, tears, stains, or any damage will be rejected for the Canada visa application.
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FAQs
1. What is the standard size for visa photos for Indian citizens applying for a Canada tourist visa?
Canada tourist visa photos must be of a standard size: 35mm in width and 45mm in height. The applicant’s face should occupy 60% to 70% of the photo, which means the head size should be between 31mm and 36mm from chin to crown of the photo sizes of Canada visa.
2. Can I use a photo with a colored background for my Canada visa application?
No, a colored background is not allowed for Canada tourist visa photos. The background must be plain white or light-colored, ensuring sufficient contrast between the applicant’s face and the backdrop.
3. Are glasses allowed in Canada visa photos?
Glasses are generally not allowed in visa photos unless necessary for medical reasons. If you must wear glasses, ensure your eyes are fully visible, avoiding reflections or glare on the lenses. The frames should not cover any part of your eyes. Tinted lenses are strictly prohibited. You may need a signed note from a doctor to accompany your application.
4. What facial expression should I have in my Canada visa photo?
Canada visa photos require a neutral expression; maintain a calm demeanor with your mouth closed and no visible smile or frown. Look directly at the camera without any exaggerated expressions.
5. What should I do if my Canada visa photo is rejected?
If your visa photo is rejected, you will need to take a new photo that meets all requirements set by Canadian authorities. Carefully review the guidelines on image size, background color, facial expression, accessories, and so on before retaking your photo. Once you have a compliant image, resubmit it along with your application.
6. Are there specific requirements for infant visa photos for Canada?
Yes, there are. For children aged nine years and under, their face should occupy about 60-70% of the photo, which means the head size should measure between 31mm and 36mm from chin to crown. To meet Canada visa photo requirements for Indians, infants must look directly at the camera, preferably with their eyes open, and there should be no distracting objects or shadows in the background.
