Can I use a US 2×2 photo for a Canadian passport?
No. Canada’s standard passport photo is 50×70 mm, which is taller than 2×2 inches. Recrop to 50×70 mm.
Canada Passport Photo – IRCC Size and Background
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses a taller 50×70 mm photo with a plain white background — not the US 2×2 square. Confirm the latest Canada.ca instructions, including any guarantor or professional-photo rules for your application type.
Verify with Canada.ca / IRCC
Paper and online streams can differ (photographer stamp, guarantor, digital file). Always use the official IRCC photo page for your application.
General Canada passport photo requirements (summary)
- Size: 50 mm wide × 70 mm high
- Background: plain white, no shadows or texture
- Taken within the timeframe IRCC currently requires, showing current appearance
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open
- Face and shoulders visible; head size within IRCC’s millimetre range
- No uniforms except as IRCC allows; religious headwear must not hide the face
- Glasses: follow the current IRCC list (glare and tinted lenses are typical rejection reasons)
Why Canadian photos get rejected
- Using a 2×2 inch US crop instead of 50×70 mm
- Off-white or grey background that is not plain white
- Shadows behind the head
- Smile or hair covering the eyes
- Missing photographer information when your stream still requires it
Prepare a Canada passport-style photo
- 1
Read IRCC’s current photo page
Note whether you need a commercial photographer, a guarantor, or a digital file only.
- 2
Capture a white-wall portrait
Even front light, camera at eye level, no heavy shadow on the wall.
- 3
Upload and set 50×70 mm
Use a custom millimetre size if needed so the crop is 50×70, not a square 2×2.
- 4
Review white background and head position
Compare against IRCC sample photos before you download.
- 5
Print on a 4R sheet or follow digital specs
Cut the 50×70 mm portraits from a 4R print, or resize to the portal’s pixel limits.
How AI Images Studio helps
- White background cleanup
- Lighting balance
- Custom millimetre crop for 50×70
- 4R multi-copy print layout
What we do not claim
AI Images Studio does not replace a photographer’s stamp or IRCC approval. Use it to prepare a clean image, then complete any certification steps your application still requires.
Canada passport photo — FAQ
Do I still need a photographer to sign the back?
Some IRCC streams still require a professional photo with details on the back. Check Canada.ca for your application type before relying on a home print alone.
Can I take the photo with my phone?
You can capture the portrait with a phone. Acceptance depends on meeting IRCC’s composition rules and any certification rules that still apply.
Related guides
Preparing a Canada passport photo?
Upload a portrait, crop to 50×70 mm, and download a clean file — then verify on Canada.ca.