Canada Visa Photo from Pakistan (35×45mm IRCC)
Updated May 2026 · For Pakistani applicants · Visitor, Study, Work, Super Visa, PR application
⚠ Don't confuse with PR Card or passport spec
Canada visa application photos = 35×45 mm. 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 from Pakistan, use 35×45 mm.
Canada visitor visa, study permit, and work permit photos are 35×45 mm with plain white background, per IRCC. Same dimensions as Pakistani passport but Canada requires pure white background. Same spec at VFS Global Canada visa centres in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore.
Spec at a glance
| Size | 35 × 45 mm (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 Pakistan
- Islamabad — capital territory and northern Pakistan
- Karachi — Sindh and Balochistan regions
- Lahore — Punjab region
Where to get the photo in Pakistan
- VFS Global on-site photo service (PKR 800-1500). Photographer knows IRCC TRV 35×45 mm spec.
- Local studio (PKR 300-800). Specify "Canada visa 35×45 mm, pure white background, IRCC compliant". Pakistani studios commonly use off-white that fails IRCC requirement.
- Free online tool at home (PKR 0). IDPhotoSnap Canada visa tool — 35×45 mm IRCC-compliant + print-ready PDF.
Common rejection reasons
- Off-white background — Pakistani studios commonly use slightly off-white; IRCC requires pure white. Most common rejection.
- Reusing Pakistani 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.
- 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 Pakistani 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. Same dimensions as Pakistani passport but Canada requires pure white (Pakistani passport offices accept off-white). Same 35×45 mm format applies at VFS Global Canada visa application centres in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore.
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. Pakistani visa applicants need 35×45 mm.
Where are VFS Global Canada visa application centres in Pakistan?
VFS Global operates Canada visa application centres in three Pakistani cities: Islamabad (capital territory and northern Pakistan), Karachi (Sindh and Balochistan), and Lahore (Punjab). All accept the same 35×45 mm IRCC TRV photo spec. Biometric appointments are mandatory.
How is the Canada visa photo different from a Pakistani passport photo?
Dimensions are identical (both 35×45 mm). However, IRCC has stricter requirements: pure white background (Pakistani passport offices often accept off-white), no glasses (banned since 2016), face must be 31-36 mm chin to crown, photo within last 6 months only. Reusing a Pakistani passport photo for a Canada visa often fails on background quality or photo age.
Where can I get a Canada visa photo in Pakistan?
Three options: (1) VFS Global on-site photo service at Islamabad, Karachi, or Lahore (PKR 800-1500). Photographer knows the IRCC TRV 35×45 mm spec. (2) Local studio at PKR 300-800 — specify "Canada visa 35×45 mm, pure white background, IRCC compliant, no glasses". Pakistani studios commonly use off-white which fails IRCC requirement. (3) Free online tool at home — IDPhotoSnap generates a 35×45 mm Canada-compliant photo с pure 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 Pakistan?
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 (print at any photo lab for PKR 100-200).
Free Canada visa photo tool (IRCC compliant)
Generate 35×45 mm Canada visa photo with pure white background + print-ready PDF. Free, browser-only.
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