There are well-noted photo requirements when it comes to visa applications. As we already know, visas are an item that permits you to enter another country, and without meeting the specified requirements, it is not possible to get a visa approved. And like every other country, Canada has specific requirements to get a visa approved.
A Canada visa photograph is a small photo or a set of photos of the applicant appended to the visa application. It is used to identify the applicant for the visa and to enable the Embassy or Consulate to process the application. For a Canada visa, you are expected to also submit photos of yourself.
The Canadian Consulate or Embassy will scan through the photos, analyze if they meet the requirements, and then go through your application. Since you want to obtain the visa, you have to go through the requirements one by one to avoid mistakes.
Indeed many photo studios provide visa photos. You will find a good number of them in your location. But you should only settle for one that specializes in taking visa photos. In addition, the photo studio you pick should be willing to verify in writing and with signatures that the photo they have taken is a photo of you.
If they are not willing to certify your identity in the photo, you may have to seek another photo studio as the Canadian Embassy will not accept a photo that has not been verified by the photographer. But whether you intend to use the services of a local photo studio or choose to take the photo yourself, ensure you follow these visa photo specs noted below.
Photo Specs/Requirements for Canadian Visa
Table of Contents
Face and Angle
- To get a visa approved, you need to have the right facial expression and angle within the frame.
- The face of the applicant will have to be within the photo frame, equidistant from the borders.
- The generally accepted frame for a visa photograph is 35mm x 45mm.
- In addition, the face will need to show a neutral expression in front of the camera.
- Frowning, smiling, and leaning or face with the mouth open won’t be accepted.
- Photographs must show the full front view of the head, with the face in the middle of the photograph, and include the top of the shoulders.
- Your head should be centered and measure between 31 mm (1 ¼ inch) and 36 mm (7/16 inches) and centered.
- Photographs must be printed on quality photographic paper. Glossy preferred.
- Dimensions of your visa digital photo are 420 x 540 pixels minimum.
Tine Period and Color
For Canadian Visa, note there are strict rules about the time period, color, and also the quality of the photograph.
- The photograph submitted will have to be identical to the applicant’s face and must have been taken within the last 6 months.
- The photograph will have to either be in black and white or colored to fulfill the application requirements.
- Also, note that the background of the photograph is expected to be plain.
- Ensure there are no objects or designs in the background.
- The background color is expected to be light in color – most often white.
Modifications or Alterations
- When submitting your visa application, note that rules and regulations make it explicitly clear that there shouldn’t be any editing or medication to the photograph.
- While you can choose to use Photoshop to make lighting adjustments, have in mind that no editing or modification on the face is allowed.
- Cropped photographs, unadjusted frames, or unequal length and breadth will also not be accepted.
- The photo is expected to look natural and unedited, therefore even if you edit, just make sure you do it like an expert.
About Spectacles
- If you wear glasses, note that you will be expected to remove the glasses before taking your visa photograph because it hinders the quality.
- Note that the reflection of the light that falls on spectacles makes the eyes unclear, howbeit, is not considered a proper photograph for a Canadian visa.
- However, even if you decide not to remove your spectacles, wear non-tinted shades so that the eyes are visible.
- Applicants are also not expected to wear sunglasses while taking the visa photo as it would be rejected outrightly.
Rules on Cosmetics
- While there are no stipulated rules against using cosmetics for Canadian visa photos, it is imperative to apply them moderately.
- The sole objective of a photograph is to note your real face and identity, and once you apply an extreme amount of makeup leading to alteration or disguise of the face, then it leads to security issues.
- Always remember that the photo is for your visa and not for a modeling audition, nor is anyone looking to judge you based on your appearance. Therefore, ensure to be your true self in front of the camera.
Unrestricted Facial Features
- Any head covering worn for religious reasons must not obscure your facial features.
- Facial features like eyes, nose, lips, and cheeks will have to be clear in the photograph.
- Hair can be either up or down. A hairpiece or other cosmetic accessory is acceptable if it does not disguise your normal appearance.
Rules Babies Photos
If you intend on traveling with your children, note that each of them will need an individual photo. To make your child’s photo as compliant as possible, follow these tips:
- The child can be lying or positioned in a seat.
- The background should be solid and white. Consider using a sheet to get the best results.
- The photo should not show anything other than the background or the child.
- If a parent is holding the infant, their hands are expected not to be visible in the picture.
- Strive to get the infant’s face square and with mouth closed.