CA Business Visa Photo Requirements - Official Guidelines
Securing a Canadian business visa hinges on more than just your company credentials—it starts with a flawless photo that meets the exacting standards of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Every detail matters: your 35 × 45 mm image must feature a neutral expression, unobstructed eyes and no shadows, with your head covering 50–70 % of the frame against a plain white or light-coloured background. Whether you submit a high-resolution digital JPEG (420 × 540 px) or a glossy print, the photo must be taken within the last six months, free from glare, accessories and headwear (except for religious reasons). By nailing these specifications on your first attempt, you’ll avoid delays, rejections and keep your business plans moving smoothly.
Requirements
- Photo dimensions: 35 × 45 mm (width × height) with the head height 31–36 mm from chin to crown
- Background color: plain white or light neutral gray with no patterns, shadows, or objects visible
- Head position & framing: full frontal view with the face centered and eyes level, no tilt or turn
- Facial expression: neutral expression or natural smile with mouth closed and both eyes open
- Recent photograph: taken within the last 6 months to reflect current appearance
- Photo quality & finish: high-resolution color print or digital image, sharp focus, no pixelation, matte or semi-matte finish
- Lighting & exposure: even lighting on the face and background, no red-eye, hot spots, or deep shadows
- Glasses policy: no tinted lenses or frames; if medically required, lenses must be clear and frames thin without obstructing the eyes
- Head coverings: only allowed for religious or medical reasons, must not obscure facial features or cast shadows on the face
- Clothing & uniforms: everyday attire only (no uniforms, camouflage, or military-style clothing), hats and headgear prohibited unless for religious reasons
- File format & size (digital submissions): JPEG or JPG, 240 KB–6 MB file size, minimum 600 dpi resolution
- Print border: no borders or creases on the photo; full image must be usable without trimming into colored frames
- Back of photo identification: lightly print applicant’s name and date of birth in pencil or non-bleeding ink on the reverse side
Step-by-Step Process
Content about CA Business Visa Photo Requirements - process
Tips and Best Practices
- Correct Photo Dimensions: ensure your photo is exactly 50 × 70 mm (2″ × 2¾″) with no border, because any deviation in size or added frame leads to auto-rejection by IRCC systems
- Proper Head Framing: position your head so it measures 31–36 mm from chin to crown and is centred, because off-centre or mis-sized heads can be cropped improperly and delay your visa approval
- Neutral Expression and Direct Gaze: keep a closed mouth, relaxed facial muscles, and eyes looking straight at the camera, because smiling, tilting or looking away violates Canada’s strict photo-ID criteria
- Plain White Background and Even Lighting: use a uniform light-coloured backdrop with no shadows or reflections, because any background imperfections or lighting inconsistencies obscure facial features and prompt rejections
- No Glasses or Head Coverings (unless daily religious wear): remove eyeglasses and hats to avoid reflections or facial obstructions, because IRCC requires an unobstructed view of your eyes and face for identity verification
Conclusion
In conclusion, meeting Canada’s business visa photo requirements is straightforward when you follow the official guidelines precisely:
- Photo dimensions: 50 × 70 mm (2 × 2¾ in) with the head height 31–36 mm from chin to crown
- Background: plain white or light neutral, no shadows or patterns
- Image quality: high-resolution, sharp focus, matte or neutral-finish photo paper
- Facial position & expression: centered, full face visible, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
- Accessories: no glasses (or remove glare), no headphones or other objects, head coverings only for religious reasons (must not obscure the face)
- Color & recency: true-to-life color, taken within the last six months
- Printing & cutting: no borders, clear contrast between head and background
Adhering to these specifications will help ensure your Canada business visa application moves forward without photo-related delays or rejections.
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