If you are planning to apply for a Canada visa for whatever reason, you will be aware of the large number of documents you need to submit along with your visa application. One of the most important ones, which is often ignored, is the photograph. A passport-sized photograph is mandatory for all Canada visas. But you cannot submit any random picture of yourself that you already possess. It is important to ensure that the photographs match the requirements stated by the Canadian government. Before you submit your Canada visa application along with the documents, you must learn about Canada visa photo requirements to ensure you get your Canada visa smoothly.
General Specifications for Canada Visa Photo
Size of the Photo
The Canada visa photo size is the first thing to consider before submitting the photo along with the visa application. The photo requirements for all kinds of Canada visas are the same, except the size. Here are the visa photo size requirements for different Canada visas.
- Tourist Visa Photo Size: 45 mm height x 35 mm width
- Temporary Resident Visa Photo Size: 45 mm height x 35 mm width
- Permanent Resident Visa Photo Size: 70 mm height x 50 mm width
Head Size
80% of the photo should be your head. The space between your head to your chin should be between 31 mm and 36 mm.
Background
The background of the photo should be white in color. Any other light color is also accepted. The background should have no patterns. The photograph should preferably be colored, although black and white is also generally accepted.
Age of the Photo
It is important to send recent photos with your Canada visa application. Photos that were taken years before will not be accepted, especially if your facial appearance has altered drastically. To be on the safer side, do not submit photos that are more than six months old.
Lighting and Photo Quality
Submitting photos with poor lighting or bad quality will also hamper your chances of getting the Canada visa.
- Lighting is extremely important when it comes to your Canada visa photos. It should not be too bright, nor should it be too low. The photo should offer a proper contrast between the background and your face.
- The lighting of the photo should be even. Make sure there are no shadows, glares, or reflections in it.
- As you need to submit a physical copy of the photos, make sure the photo is printed in high quality photo paper. Heavy weight paper should be avoided for printing your photos.
- Ensure that your photo has no creases, marks, cuts, or any other damages.
- The visa photos should not be digitally altered in any circumstances.
Facial Positioning and Expression
There are a few things you need to keep in mind while getting your Canada visa clicked in terms of facial expressions and positioning of your head.
- Your face should be in the center of the photo. You should directly face the camera.
- Your front view should be clearly visible in the photo, including your head and shoulders. Photos that have your side profiles will not be accepted. Both your ears should be clearly visible.
- The expression on your face should be neutral. Smiling, laughing, and frowning expressions will not be approved. Make sure your mouth is closed, and teeth are not visible. On the other hand, your eyes should remain wide open.
Attire and Accessories
While there is no specific dress code for Canada visa photos, you need to follow some specific rules.
- You can go for formal, semi formal, and casual attire. The color of your outfit should be a dark one, so that it contrasts with the light background.
- Do not wear any hat, headgear, or head cover. Head gear worn for religious and medical reasons will be accepted.
- If you wear glasses daily, you can wear them while getting your photo clicked. However, make sure that they are not tinted. Moreover, no glare should be visible on the lenses. Wearing sunglasses is a strict no.
Canada Visa Photo Requirements and Rules for Babies and Children
It may be quite difficult to follow the rules mentioned above when you want to take pictures of your children for Canada visa. The good news is that the rules are a bit accommodative when it comes to children, especially babies. But still, there are some rules that you need to follow:
- The photo can be taken by lying down the baby on a flat surface or maybe even a car seat.
- You can use a white sheet as a background for the photo.
- In case a parent or an adult is holding the child, their hands should not be visible.
- No toys or any other thing should be visible in the photo.
- Ensure that the toddler or child’s mouth is closed (open mouth is acceptable only for infants).
- The child should look into the camera. Their eyes should remain open in the photo.
- The child should be in the center of the photo. The kid’s head should be straight.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many copies of the photographs do I need to submit for Canada visa application?You need to submit two copies of the photograph for Canada tourist visa, permanent resident visa, and temporary resident visa. Both the photos should be identical. You need to write the name of the photographer along with the name and stamp of the studio as well as his/her signature.
2. What mistakes regarding photos can lead to Canada visa rejection?Several things can lead to the rejection of your Canada visa:
- Incorrect Canada tourist visa photo size
- Wrong lighting
- Poor image quality
- A non-neutral expression (for instance, if you are smiling or frowning)
- Wearing wireless devices, headphones, or head gears (non-religious)
- Torn, creased, or stapled photos
You can take the photo at home if you have a high-resolution camera. But it is better to get it clicked at a professional photo studio by an experienced photographer who knows about the Canada visa photo requirements.
4. Is it ok to wear makeup or jewelry for Canada visa photos?It is ok to wear makeup, although it is best to keep it light and subtle. Heavy makeup that alters your facial features should be avoided. Similarly, light jewelry is accepted. But it is best to avoid wearing heavy jewelry like danglers and huge neckpieces.
5. What should I do if my visa photo is rejected?If your visa photo is rejected, get your photo clicked again while following the requirements stated by the visa officer.
The visa photos for Canada visa may seem like the most trivial document. But it can lead to the rejection of your visa application even if you have followed all the steps to apply for a Canada visa from Dubai. So, keep these points in mind, so that you get your Canada visa on time.
