CA Canada Visa 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm) Application: Photo Guidelines (Step-by-Step)

Requirements

Content about CA Canada Visa 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm) Application: Photo Guidelines - requirements

Step-by-Step Process

• Confirm official photo specifications: Before taking any photos, review the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requirements for a 35 × 45 mm visa photo—head height between 31 mm and 36 mm, top of hair to top edge between 3 mm and 5 mm, neutral expression, plain light-coloured background, no shadows or reflections—to ensure full compliance and avoid rejection.
• Choose appropriate equipment and settings: Use a digital camera or an 8 MP+ smartphone on a tripod set at eye level, with a focal length of at least 50 mm (or digital equivalent) to minimize distortion; set white balance to “daylight” or manually adjust it to render accurate skin tones against a plain background.
• Prepare the background and lighting: Position the subject 5–2 meters from a smooth, light-grey or white wall; illuminate with two diffused light sources at 45° angles to the face to eliminate shadows and glare, ensuring even illumination of the entire face without hot spots.
• Position the subject correctly: Instruct the applicant to stand straight, shoulders square, looking directly into the lens; keep the mouth closed with a neutral expression, both eyes open, no head tilt; hair must not cover eyes or face edges, and eyeglasses are only allowed if frames are thin and free of glare (no tinted or thick frames).
• Capture multiple shots and verify framing: Take at least five photos, checking each for correct head size (measure digitally or print sample and measure with a ruler), centered alignment (head and shoulders fill the frame vertically), and compliance with background and expression requirements.
• Digitally edit and crop to exact dimensions: Import the best shot into photo-editing software, set the resolution to 600 dpi, crop to 35 × 45 mm, position the head so the chin is 28 mm from the bottom edge and the crown is 5 mm from the top, remove any red-eye, color cast, or background inconsistencies without altering facial features.
• Print on high-quality, matte, fibre-based photo paper: Use a professional lab or printer capable of 600 dpi output with continuous-tone inks; ensure the print has sharp detail, no ink pooling, and meets ISO 12646 colour-fastness standards to maintain clarity over time.
• Trim and inspect the final print: Using a precision guillotine or ruler and razor, trim to 35 × 45 mm exactly—no variation beyond ±1 mm—and perform a final quality check under natural light to confirm accurate colours, no creases, clean edges, and fully compliant composition before submitting with your visa application.

Tips and Best Practices

• Background consistency: Use a plain white or light-off-white background free of shadows or patterns to ensure your portrait stands out clearly against the backdrop and avoids instant rejection for distracting or non-compliant backgrounds
• Head sizing and positioning: Center your head so it measures between 31 mm and 36 mm from chin to crown with your eyes 28 mm–35 mm from the bottom edge to guarantee the photo fits Canada’s biometric framing requirements
• Even lighting and shadow avoidance: Illuminate your face with soft, diffused light from both sides to eliminate shadows, hot spots, or under-eye darkness, ensuring facial features are fully visible for automated and manual checks
• Neutral expression and direct gaze: Keep your mouth closed, eyes open, and both ears visible while looking straight into the camera to meet Canada’s identification standards and reduce the risk of refusal due to unnatural expressions
• No eyewear or head coverings (unless exempt): Remove glasses, hats, and scarves unless worn daily for religious or medical reasons—frames, tints, or glare can obscure your eyes and lead to disqualification

Conclusion

In summary, adhering precisely to Canada’s 35 × 45 mm visa‐photo specifications ensures swift, hassle-free processing and avoids costly delays.

• Photo size: exactly 35 × 45 mm (5 × 5 cm) with a uniform white or light‐grey background
• Head dimensions: 31–36 mm from chin to crown, centered and upright
• Facial expression: neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible without hair obstruction
• Accessories: no hats, head coverings (unless for religious reasons) or tinted glasses; prescription glasses allowed if lenses glare-free
• Image quality: sharp focus, high resolution (minimum 600 dpi), natural skin tones, no shadows or reflections
• File format: colour print on quality photo paper or digital JPEG (size 240 × 300 pixels at 600 dpi)
• Submission tips: use a certified passport-photo service or follow official templates; double-check border, contrast, and alignment

By following these core requirements, applicants can minimize the risk of rejection and ensure their Canadian visa application proceeds without photo-related issues.