Canada study and work permit photo requirements
The 35 × 45 mm photo rules set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the Canada study and work permit, with the official wording and sources.
Quick answer
What size is the Canada study and work permit photo?
Study and work permit applications made outside Canada follow IRCC's visa photo specifications: 2 identical photos of at least 35 x 45 mm, with the head 31-36 mm from chin to crown, taken within the last 6 months. Write your name and date of birth on the back of both photos. If you have to give biometrics, IRCC says not to include paper photos.
IRCC requires biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) for study and work permit applications unless the applicant is exempt, for example if under 14 or over 79. When you have to give biometrics, the guides say not to include paper photos.
Biometrics are valid for 10 years and are reused for later applications, but a permit cannot be issued beyond their expiry date. If you gave biometrics for an earlier visa or permit, IRCC's Check status tool shows whether they are still valid.
Canada study and work permit photo size and specifications
The requirements as published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC):[1]
| Print size | At least 35 x 45 mm (1 3/8 x 1 3/4 inches) |
|---|---|
| Head height | 31-36 mm from chin to crown |
| Background | Plain white or light-coloured |
| Colour | Black and white or colour |
| Photo age | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Print quality | Quality photographic paper |
| Pixels when printed | 413 × 531 px at 300 dpi · 827 × 1063 px at 600 dpi (calculated) |
Key requirements
- Number of photos
2 identical photos per person. For work permits, also 2 photos of each accompanying family member. If biometrics are required, no paper photos are included.
- Framing
Full front view of the head, face centred, with the top of the shoulders included.
- Expression
Neutral, face square to the camera, mouth closed.
- Back of photos
Write your name and date of birth on the back of both photos.
- No alteration
Digital photos must not be altered in any way.
Do's and don'ts
Do
- Take the photo against a plain light background.
- Keep a neutral expression with the mouth closed and face square to the camera.
- Keep the head 31-36 mm from chin to crown and include the top of the shoulders.
- Print 2 identical photos on quality photo paper and write your name and date of birth on the back of both.
Don't
- Do not wear sunglasses or tinted lenses.
- Do not retouch or alter the photo.
- Do not include paper photos if you have to give biometrics.
Sample photos
How a Canada study and work permit photo should look, and the mistakes that most often get photos rejected. Each example is drawn to this document's 35 × 45 mm, head height and background colour.
Illustrations, not real photos. The official rules above always take priority; some documents do not allow glasses at all.
Glasses
Non-tinted prescription glasses only, with the frames clear of the eyes.
Headwear and religious dress
Religious head coverings are allowed if your full facial features are visible.
Babies and children
Applicants under 14 are exempt from biometrics. For work permits, 2 photos are asked for each family member coming with you, unless biometrics are required.
Printed and digital photos
The guides describe printed photos. No official pixel or file-size specification was found for a photo uploaded with an online study or work permit application; follow the instructions in your IRCC account if it asks for one.
Where to submit the photo
Include the photos with your application as your document checklist says. Most applicants give biometrics and include no paper photos.
How to get your Canada study and work permit photo
- Check the official requirements. Read the official specification for the Canada study and work permit: 35 × 45 mm print, plain white or light-coloured background. Check the rules on pose, expression, glasses and headwear below.
- Take the photo. Follow the key requirements: number of photos; framing; expression; back of photos.
- Prepare a print or digital file. The guides describe printed photos. No official pixel or file-size specification was found for a photo uploaded with an online study or work permit application; follow the instructions in your IRCC account if it asks for one.
- Submit the photo with your application. Include the photos with your application as your document checklist says. Most applicants give biometrics and include no paper photos.
Canada study and work permit photo FAQ
Study permit applications use IRCC's visa photo specifications: a frame of at least 35 x 45 mm, with the head 31-36 mm from chin to crown, taken within 6 months on a plain white or light-coloured background.
No. IRCC's work permit guide says that if you need to give biometric fingerprints and a biometric photo, you should not include paper photos.
The work permit guide asks for 2 photos of yourself and of each family member coming with you, unless biometrics are required, in which case no paper photos are included.
Your name and date of birth, on the back of both photos.
Biometrics are valid for 10 years. If you gave them in that time, they are attached to your new application automatically, but IRCC cannot issue a permit beyond the date they expire.
Related photo specifications
Other Canada documents
- Passport photo 50 × 70 mm
- Visa photo 35 × 45 mm
- Secure certificate of indian status photo 50 × 70 mm
- Driver's licence photo
- Permanent resident photo 50 × 70 mm
- Citizenship photo 50 × 70 mm
- NEXUS card photo
- Permanent resident travel document (PRTD) photo
- Firearms licence photo 45 × 57 mm
- Personnel screening photo 43 × 54 mm
- Security licence photo 50 × 70 mm
- Provincial health card photo
- Quebec health insurance card photo 50 × 70 mm
- Veteran's service card photo
Residence and work permits nearby
Also 35 × 45 mm
- Afghanistan visa photo 35 × 45 mm
- Algeria passport photo 35 × 45 mm
- Algeria visa photo 35 × 45 mm
- Algeria ID card photo 35 × 45 mm
- Algeria residence permit photo 35 × 45 mm
- Algeria work permit photo 35 × 45 mm
- Andorra passport photo 35 × 45 mm
- Anguilla passport photo 35 × 45 mm
- Antigua and Barbuda passport photo 35 × 45 mm
- Armenia visa photo 35 × 45 mm
- All Canada photo specifications
- Residence and work permits: photo rules by country
- Every document that uses a 35 × 45 mm photo
- Photo specifications in North America
Official sources
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Guide 5269 - Applying for a study permit outside Canada canada.ca. Checked 29 October 2026.
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Guide 5487 - Applying for a work permit outside Canada canada.ca. Checked 29 October 2026.
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Temporary resident visa application photograph specifications canada.ca. Checked 29 October 2026.
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). When to give your biometrics - temporary resident applicants canada.ca. Checked 29 October 2026.
Requirements can change, so always confirm with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before you apply. WorldPhotoSpecs is independent and not affiliated with any government.
Cite this page
"Canada study and work permit photo". WorldPhotoSpecs. Last updated 4 November 2026. https://worldphotospecs.org/canada/study-work-permit-photo