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Canada Visa Photo from Nigeria (35×45mm IRCC)

Updated May 2026 · For Nigerian applicants · Visitor, Study, Work, Super Visa, PR application

⚠ Two specs not to confuse

Nigerian passport is 35×35 mm square. Canada visa is 35×45 mm rectangular. Different aspect ratio — wrong size is the most common rejection at VFS Global. Also: the 50×70 mm spec is ONLY for PR Card or Canadian passport, NOT visa application.

Canada visitor visa, study permit, and work permit photos are 35×45 mm rectangular with plain white background, per IRCC. For Nigerian applicants the format differs from the Nigerian passport (35×35 mm square). Same spec at all 3 VFS Global Canada visa centres in Nigeria — Lagos Ikeja, Lagos Victoria Island, and Abuja.

Spec at a glance

Size	35 × 45 mm (NOT 35×35 Nigerian passport, NOT 50×70 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 Nigeria

Lagos Ikeja — Lagos mainland and surrounding areas
Lagos Victoria Island — VI, Lekki, Ikoyi, southern Lagos
Abuja — Federal Capital Territory and northern Nigeria

Where to get the photo in Nigeria

VFS Global on-site photo service (NGN 3,000-5,000). Photographer knows IRCC TRV 35×45 mm spec.
Local studio (NGN 1,200-3,000). Specify "Canada visa 35×45 mm RECTANGULAR, not 35×35 square, pure white background". Nigerian studios default to 35×35 square passport — need explicit instructions for rectangular format.
Free online tool at home (NGN 0). IDPhotoSnap Canada visa tool — 35×45 mm rectangular Canada-compliant + print-ready PDF.

Common rejection reasons

Wrong aspect ratio (35×35 square) — using Nigerian passport photo. Most common rejection.
Wrong spec used (50×70 mm) — confusing PR Card production spec with visa application spec.
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.
Photo too old — must be within last 6 months.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Canada visa photo size for Nigerian 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. This is LARGER and rectangular compared to the Nigerian passport (35×35 mm square). The same 35×45 mm format applies at all VFS Global Canada visa application centres in Nigeria: Lagos Ikeja, Lagos Victoria Island, and Abuja.

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. The 50×70 mm spec applies ONLY to Canadian citizens renewing their passport or to PR Card production after PR approval. Nigerian visa applicants need 35×45 mm.

How is the Canada visa photo different from a Nigerian passport photo?

Nigerian passport photos are 35×35 mm (square). Canada visa photos are 35×45 mm (rectangular — taller). The two are NOT interchangeable. Using your Nigerian passport photo for a Canada visa application will result in rejection at VFS Global Canada — wrong aspect ratio and dimensions.

Where are VFS Global Canada visa application centres in Nigeria?

VFS Global operates Canada visa application centres at three locations in Nigeria: Lagos Ikeja (Lagos mainland), Lagos Victoria Island (VI, Lekki, Ikoyi, southern Lagos), and Abuja (Federal Capital Territory and northern Nigeria). All three accept the same 35×45 mm Canada visa photo. Biometric data captured at the appointment.

Where can I get a Canada visa photo in Nigeria?

Three options: (1) VFS Global on-site photo service at Lagos Ikeja, Lagos VI, or Abuja (NGN 3,000-5,000). Photographer knows the IRCC TRV 35×45 mm spec. (2) Local studio at NGN 1,200-3,000 — specify "Canada visa 35×45 mm rectangular (not 35×35 square), pure white background, IRCC compliant, no glasses". Nigerian studios default to 35×35 mm passport square. (3) Free online tool at home — IDPhotoSnap generates a 35×45 mm Canada-compliant photo with white background plus print-ready PDF.

Can I use the same photo for Canada PR application via Express Entry?

Yes — IRCC PR application (Express Entry, PNP, family sponsorship) uses the same 35×45 mm visa photo format. Note: once your PR is approved, the actual PR Card itself requires a separate 50×70 mm photo at the card production stage. For the initial application — use 35×45.

Can I wear glasses in a Canada visa photo?

No. IRCC prohibited glasses in Canadian biometric photos since 2016. 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 Nigeria?

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. 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 →