Quick answer
What size is a Canada visa photo for Australian residents?
Canada visitor visa photos must be at least 35 × 45 mm, with the head 31–36 mm from chin to crown, on a plain white or light background, taken within the last 6 months, under IRCC's rules. Australian passport holders flying to Canada need only an eTA (CAD $7), which needs no photo.
Australian passport holders do not need a visa for Canada. To fly to or through a Canadian airport they need an eTA, which costs CAD $7 and does not need a photo; no eTA is needed when arriving by land or sea. Residents of Australia whose nationality needs a Canada visitor visa (temporary resident visa) follow IRCC's photo specification: at least 35 × 45 mm, head 31–36 mm from chin to crown, on a plain white or light background, taken within the last 6 months.
Canada visa photo size and requirements
| Photo size | At least 35 mm wide × 45 mm high |
|---|---|
| Head size | 31–36 mm from chin to crown |
| Framing | Full front view of the head and tops of the shoulders, face centred |
| Background | Plain white or light-coloured |
| Expression | Neutral: neither frowning nor smiling, mouth closed |
| Glasses | Non-tinted prescription glasses if your eyes are clearly visible; no sunglasses |
| Head covering | Religious head coverings allowed if your facial features are not hidden |
| Photo age | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Prints | Two identical photos on quality photographic paper |
Write your name and date of birth on the back of each print. Digital photos must not be altered.
Do Australians need a photo for the Canada eTA?
No. Australia is on Canada's visa-exempt list, so you apply online for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) before you fly. You need your passport, a payment card and an email address; there is no photo to upload. The eTA is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires.
Visitor visa photos and biometrics
Most visitor visa applicants give fingerprints and a photo (biometrics) by appointment at a Canada visa application centre. IRCC's visitor visa guide says that if you give biometrics, you do not need to include paper photos. If your online checklist still asks for a photo, upload a digital photo that meets the same specification.
How to get your Canada visa photo right
- Check what your trip needs. Read the guide above to see whether your Canada trip needs a visa or travel authorisation, and whether that application asks for a photo.
- Take a new photo. Take a recent photo facing the camera in even light, on a white or light background, no more than 6 months old, ideally with someone else holding the camera. Compare it with the sample photos on this page.
- Crop it to the Canada size. Crop without stretching or editing, to match the requirements table. Photo size: 35 × 45 mm (minimum); Digital / submission: Biometrics at a visa centre.
- Apply through the official channel. Upload or attach the photo as the official website, app, embassy or visa centre asks. Its current checklist takes priority over this guide.
Sample photos
Samples show pose, lighting and background. Crop your own photo to the Canada visa size.
Canada visa photo FAQ
At least 35 mm wide by 45 mm high, with the head measuring 31–36 mm from chin to crown.
No. Australians need an eTA to fly to or through Canada, and nothing extra when arriving by land or sea.
IRCC's visitor visa guide says applicants who give biometrics do not need to include paper photos.
Official sources
- IRCC: Temporary resident visa photo specifications
- IRCC: Apply for an eTA
- IRCC: Entry requirements by country
- IRCC: Guide 5256, applying for a visitor visa
- IRCC: Biometrics
Last checked . Requirements and fees can change, so always confirm with the issuing agency before you apply. This site is independent and not affiliated with any government agency.