Canada Visa Photo from India (35×45mm IRCC)
Updated May 2026 · For Indian applicants · Visitor, Study, Work, Super Visa, PR application
⚠ Don't confuse with PR Card or passport spec
Canada visa application photos = 35×45 mm (TRV / study / work / PR application). The 50×70 mm spec is ONLY for the actual PR Card produced AFTER PR approval, or for Canadian citizens renewing their passport. For visa application, use 35×45 mm.
Canada visitor visa, study permit, and work permit photos are 35×45 mm with plain white background, per IRCC. The format is identical to the Indian passport size but with stricter background and biometric rules. Same spec at all 12 VFS Global Canada visa centres in India.
Spec at a glance
| Size | 35 × 45 mm (NOT 50×70 — that's PR Card) |
| Pixels (300 DPI) | 413 × 531 px |
| Background | Plain white or light coloured |
| Face height (chin to crown) | 31 - 36 mm |
| Glasses | Not allowed (banned 2016) |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Photo age | Last 6 months |
| Quantity | 2 photos для visa application |
VFS Global Canada visa centres in India
Where to get the photo in India
- VFS Global on-site photo service (INR 350-500). Photographer knows IRCC TRV 35×45 mm spec exactly.
- Local studio (INR 100-300). Specify "Canada visa 35×45 mm, pure white background (not off-white), IRCC compliant, no glasses". Indian studios often use off-white that fails IRCC strict white requirement.
- Free online tool at home (INR 0). IDPhotoSnap Canada visa tool generates 35×45 mm IRCC-compliant photo с pure white background + print-ready PDF.
Common rejection reasons for Indian applicants
- Off-white background — Indian studios commonly use slightly off-white; IRCC requires pure white. Most common rejection.
- Reusing Indian passport photo too old — must be within last 6 months.
- Face height out of range — IRCC strict on 31-36 mm chin-to-crown.
- Glasses worn — banned 2016.
- Smiling or open mouth — strict neutral expression.
- Wrong spec used — using Canadian passport 50×70 mm spec by mistake. Visa application = 35×45 mm.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What is the Canada visa photo size for Indian applicants?
Canada visitor visa (TRV), study permit, work permit, and super visa photos are 35×45 mm with a plain white or light-coloured background, per IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). The same dimensions as the Indian passport photo, but Canada accepts only WHITE background while Indian passport offices accept off-white. The same 35×45 mm format applies at all VFS Global Canada visa application centres in India (12 cities).
Is the Canada visa photo different from the Canadian passport photo?
Yes. Canadian passport photos (for Canadian citizens) are 50×70 mm. Canada visa photos (for foreign nationals applying for visitor / study / work / PR application) are 35×45 mm. Do NOT use the 50×70 mm spec — that is only for Canadian citizens renewing their own passport at Service Canada. For visa applicants from India, use the 35×45 mm spec.
How is the Canada visa photo different from an Indian passport photo?
Dimensions are identical (both 35×45 mm). However, IRCC has stricter requirements: pure white background (Indian passport offices accept off-white), no glasses (banned since 2016), face must be 31-36 mm chin to crown, photo within last 6 months only. Reusing an Indian passport photo for a Canada visa often fails on background quality or photo age.
Where can I get a Canada visa photo in India?
Three options: (1) VFS Global on-site photo service at any of 12 Canada visa application centres across India (INR 350-500). Photographer knows the IRCC TRV 35×45 mm spec exactly. (2) Local studio at INR 100-300 — specify "Canada visitor visa 35×45 mm, pure white background, IRCC compliant, no glasses". Indian studios often use off-white. (3) Free online tool at home — IDPhotoSnap generates a 35×45 mm Canada-compliant photo with pure white background plus print-ready PDF in 30 seconds.
Where are VFS Global Canada visa application centres in India?
VFS Global operates Canada visa application centres in 12 Indian cities: New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Pune, Cochin, and Puducherry. All accept the same 35×45 mm IRCC TRV photo spec. Biometric appointments are mandatory.
Can I use the same photo for Canada PR application via Express Entry?
Yes — the IRCC PR application (Express Entry, PNP, family sponsorship) uses the same 35×45 mm visa photo format. NOTE: this is for the APPLICATION. Once your PR is approved, the actual PR Card itself requires a separate 50×70 mm photo — that is requested later during the card production stage. See our dedicated PR Card photo page if you have already received your COPR.
Can I wear glasses in a Canada visa photo?
No. IRCC has prohibited glasses in Canadian biometric photos since 2016. Remove them for the photo session. Religious head covering is permitted as long as facial features (chin to forehead and both sides of face) are clearly visible.
How many photos do I need at the VFS Global Canada appointment in India?
IRCC requires 2 identical photos for visitor visa, study permit, and work permit applications. Bring 2 to the VFS Global biometric appointment, plus a digital upload via the IRCC online portal. Some PR application categories request additional copies — bring 4 to be safe. Our print-ready PDF lays out 6 photos per A4 sheet.
Free Canada visa photo tool (IRCC compliant)
Generate 35×45 mm Canada visa photo with pure white background + print-ready PDF. Free, browser-only.
Open Canada visa photo tool →Related guides
Why Was My Passport Photo Rejected? Top 10 Reasons (2026)
Most passport photo rejections come down to 10 specific issues. Each one is fixable in 2 minutes. Here's the full diagnostic checklist with examples.
Passport Photo Size Guide: mm, Inches & Pixels for Every Country
US: 2×2 inch (51×51mm), UK: 35×45mm, Canada: 50×70mm, China: 33×48mm. Complete size reference with pixel dimensions at 300 DPI for printing.
Are AI Passport Photos Banned in 2026? (Fact-Check + State Dept Rules)
Content farms claim a new AI passport photo ban started January 1, 2026. Fact-check: no new rule was introduced. The actual State Department guidance has been the same for years. Here is what is actually prohibited (skin smoothing, beauty filters) and what is allowed (cropping, background replacement).