Setting out on an adventure to discover the stunning scenery and lively urban areas of Canada necessitates a meticulous focus on the complex particulars of the visa application process. As eager voyagers long to gain access to their idealized visions of Canada, grasping the exact specifications, make-up, and prerequisites for an impeccable visa photograph grows critical.
Understanding a Canada Visa Photo
A Canada visa photograph is a small image or set of images of the applicant that is attached to the visa application. The purpose is in identifying the person who applies for the visa so the Consulate or Embassy processing the application is aware who they are actually reviewing. For a Canada visa, you also require to submit photos of yourself should you apply. The Canadian Consulate or Embassy will examine the photos, assess if they meet the criteria, and then review the application.
Canada Visa Photo Size & Requirements
The visa photo requirements in Canada are very strict, and not meeting the standards established by the authorities can lead to your visa application being denied. These standards include particular specifications for size, resolution, and look, which are explained thoroughly as follows.
For Adults – Canada Visa Photo & Head Size
- The frame dimensions should be 35 mm by 45 mm (1 3/8 inches by 1 3/4 inches) minimum.
- The photos must display a complete frontal vision of the head, positioned at the center, as well as the top parts of the shoulders.
- The head size from the chin to crown must range amid 31 mm (1 1/4 inches) & 36 mm (1 7/16 inches).
- The crown indicates the highest head point or, if obscured via hair or headwear, the position where the top portion of the skull or head would be visible.
Should the photos fail to conform to such specifications, you will require submitting new photos before the application can proceed.
Canada Visa Photo Specifications
- The photos must be identical and taken within the previous six months.
- They can either be in color or black-and-white.
- The photos should be well-defined, clear, and taken against a light-colored backdrop or a plain white backdrop.
- If submitting digital photos, they cannot be digitally altered at all.
- Your face should be facing the camera straight on with a neutral expression – no frowning or smiling – and your mouth closed.
- You can wear non-tinted prescription glasses as long as your eyes are completely visible.
- Make sure the frames do not obstruct any part of your eyes. Sunglasses are not allowed.
- A hairpiece or other cosmetic accessory is fine if it does not disguise your normal look.
- If you need to wear a head covering for religious reasons, ensure your full facial features are not obscured.
Photo Requirements
- You need to submit two photos of yourself along with your application.
- The photos should meet definite requirements, otherwise you will be require to submit new photos before the application can be processed.
- The photos should be printed on best-quality photo paper.
Photo Rules For Newborns, Infants, & Babies
Should you apply for a visa for yourself & a child, it is imperative to include separate visa photographs for the child. The photo requirements for them are akin to adults, resting on the visa type.
Canadian embassies understand the difficulty of photographing infants and children, so they are somewhat flexible about the requirements. However, applicants must still try in following the guidelines. Here are several tips for getting a perfect photo of a child or baby:
- You can lay the baby down or put them in a car seat for the photo.
- Use a white sheet or background so it is clear.
- If holding the baby, keep your hands out of the picture.
- Try to position the baby’s face in the center, with their mouth closed.
Specifications for Canada Visa Photo for Permanent Residents Applications
Photographs are required if you’re seeking Canadian citizenship or an immigration visa to become a permanent resident of Canada. There are a few differences between the requirements for these images and those for Temporary Resident Visas.
For permanent Canadian visas, there are several additional photo requirements:
- Include two identical photos if you apply for citizenship or a permanent visa
- One photograph is required if you are asking for renunciation
- The Long-Term Visa for Canada has a photo frame with at least 55 millimetres by 7 millimetres (2 inches by 2 3/4 inches) in size
- The head size in the photo must be between 31 mm and 36 mm (1 1/4″ and 1 7/16″) from the top to the chin
- You must write your name on the back of the picture
- The photo’s back must also bear the stamp or handwritten information for the photo studio, including its name and address
- The photographer must put their name and last name to their signature
Your application will only be accepted if the images comply with these conditions, and you must submit fresh ones.
Where Can I Get My Picture Taken for a Canadian Visa?
Online with a Smartphone- With the internet, you can get this photo taken for a Canadian visa without having to go anywhere. Just use your phone’s camera to take a picture of yourself, and some websites will edit it to meet the visa requirements. While convenient, you may still want to go to a professional photographer to make sure the photo will be acceptable for the visa application.
Visit a Professional – It is recommended that you go to a professional photographer to take your headshot picture. This will ensure that all necessary requirements are fulfilled. Be sure to tell the photographer that you need the photo for a Canadian visa application, not a passport.
Automated Booth – You could also use a self-service kiosk if you do not want to or cannot go to a store. But be sure to check the machine’s settings carefully, making sure you will get the right size prints and image quality.
Photo Rejection
One common reason for a Canada visa application rejection is submitting an unclear visa photo. The Embassy may also request the applicant to upload a new or updated visa photo. Submitting incorrectly sized photos can, at best, delay your application or lead to outright rejection. Canadian Immigration authorities ensure requirements are followed. In such cases, officials contact you to explain the issue and ask you to provide new photos or restart the application completely. To avoid Canada visa rejection, ensure that your photos meet the specified size and format requirements outlined by the embassy or consulate.
Bottom Line
Photographs are an essential element to focus on when submitting an application for a Canada visa. Therefore, it is imperative to understand all the Canada visa requirements before commencing the application process. As per the Canada visa guidelines, each traveler to Canada, regardless of the reason for travel or age, must present a current photograph. Visa officers closely examine photographs, which is why extra care should be given to this part of the visa application.