Professional Canada Citizenship 5x7 cm (50x70mm) Photo Tips for CA Applications

Requirements

• Photo dimensions: exactly 50 mm wide × 70 mm high (5 × 7 cm) with a tolerance of ± 2 mm
• Head size and positioning: head height (chin to crown) must be 31–36 mm and centered vertically and horizontally
• Eye-line placement: eyes positioned 31–36 mm from the bottom edge of the photo
• Background: plain white or light-neutral with no patterns, shadows, textures or props
• Facial expression and posture: neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and directly facing the camera with no tilt
• Lighting and contrast: even, diffused lighting on face and background with no shadows, glare or over-exposure
• Glasses and eyewear: no tinted or dark lenses, no glare or reflections, frames must not cover the eyes; sunglasses prohibited
• Head coverings: only for religious or medical reasons, must not obscure forehead, eyebrows or face outline
• Clothing and accessories: everyday attire (no uniforms or camouflage), no large jewellery that casts shadows or distracts
• Photo paper and print quality: high-resolution print (min. 600 dpi) on professional matte or glossy photo paper with clear detail and smooth tonal gradation
• Number of copies and condition: submit two identical unmounted prints free of creases, smudges, marks or staples
• Recentness and authenticity: taken within the last six months, original (no digital alterations), applicant’s name and date of birth written lightly on back without obscuring image

Step-by-Step Process

Content about Professional Canada Citizenship 5x7 cm (50x70mm) Photo Tips for CA Applications - process

Tips and Best Practices

• Exact Sizing and Head Measurement: ensure your printed photo is exactly 50×70 mm with the head height between 31 mm and 36 mm so it meets Canada’s strict cropping rules and avoids automatic rejection
• Uniform Lighting and Plain Background: use even, shadow-free lighting against a solid white or light-gray backdrop to keep facial features clear and prevent background patterns from triggering a refusal
• Neutral Expression and Direct Gaze: maintain a neutral face with mouth closed and eyes looking straight at the camera to comply with Canada’s no-smile, direct-view requirement and avoid disqualification
• Glasses and Accessories Management: remove glasses or wear non-reflective clear lenses and avoid hats or jewelry (unless worn daily for religious reasons) to eliminate glare, obstructions or cast shadows that lead to photo invalidation
• Professional Print Quality on Photo Paper: have your photos printed by a pro lab on high-resolution colour photo paper to ensure accurate colour, sharpness and durability so they pass digital and manual inspection

Conclusion

Conclusion

Ensuring your Canada citizenship photo meets the 5×7 cm (50×70 mm) specifications is critical to avoid delays or rejection. Follow these professional tips to submit a compliant, high-quality image:

• Size & framing: 50×70 mm overall; head height 31–36 mm from chin to crown; top of hair 3 mm from photo edge
• Background: plain, light-coloured (white or off-white); no shadows, patterns or textures
• Pose & expression: straight-on view; neutral facial expression, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible
• Lighting & focus: even illumination; no glare or reflections; sharp detail with high resolution (minimum 600 dpi)
• Attire & accessories: everyday clothing without uniforms; no hats or head coverings except for religious purposes (must not cover face); no glasses or tinted lenses
• Recency & print quality: taken within the last six months; printed on high-quality, matte or glossy photo paper without creases or smudges

By adhering to these guidelines exactly, you’ll present a flawless citizenship application photo that meets Canada’s stringent requirements.