Quick answer
Do Indians need a photo for a Canada visitor visa?
Most Indian applicants give fingerprints and a photo at a visa application centre, and IRCC says paper photos are then not needed. If photos are required, provide two identical prints at least 35 × 45 mm, head 31–36 mm, on a plain white or light background, taken within six months.
Indian citizens need a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) for Canada. If you give biometrics, meaning fingerprints and a photo, at a visa application centre, IRCC says you do not need paper photos, and your biometrics stay valid for 10 years. When photos are needed, send two identical prints of at least 35 × 45 mm, with the head 31–36 mm from chin to crown, on a plain white or light-coloured background, taken within the last six months.
Canada visitor visa photo size and requirements
| Biometric photo | Taken at the visa application centre with your fingerprints; no paper photos needed |
|---|---|
| Paper photos | Two identical prints, only when you do not give biometrics |
| Frame size | At least 35 × 45 mm (1⅜ × 1¾ inches) |
| Head size | 31–36 mm (1¼ to 1 7/16 inches) from chin to crown, with the top of the shoulders showing |
| Background | Plain white or light-coloured |
| Colour | Colour or black and white, on quality photographic paper |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Photo age | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Glasses | Non-tinted prescription glasses if your eyes are clearly visible and the frames do not cover them; no sunglasses |
| Back of each photo | Your name and date of birth |
What IRCC says about the biometrics photo
IRCC's biometrics page says glasses are fine at the appointment if your eyes are clearly visible with no glare, but tinted lenses are not, even prescription ones. Head coverings are allowed only for religious or medical reasons.
Biometrics replace paper photos for most applicants
When you apply online for a visitor visa, IRCC's list of documents has no photo upload. After you apply, you get a biometric instruction letter (BIL). You then book an appointment at a visa application centre, where your fingerprints and photo are taken; booking is free. Biometrics stay valid for 10 years, so you may not need to give them again for a later application within that time.
Some applicants are exempt from biometrics. IRCC's exemptions are reported to include visitor visa applicants under 14 and over 79; check IRCC's biometrics pages to see whether this applies to you.
Plan around henna
Your fingerprints are scanned at the appointment, and IRCC asks for hands free of henna. If you have a wedding or festival coming up, book your biometrics before the henna goes on, or after it has faded.
When you need paper photos
IRCC's visitor visa guide (Guide 5256) says that if you give biometrics, you do not include paper photos with your application. If you do not need to give biometrics, provide two identical photos that meet the specifications above and write your name and date of birth on the back of each.
The specifications allow a religious head covering if your full facial features are visible. Sunglasses are never accepted.
How to handle the Canada visa photo from India
- Apply online without a photo. The online visitor visa application does not ask you to upload a photo.
- Wait for your biometric instruction letter. IRCC sends a biometric instruction letter after you apply. Use it to book a free appointment at a visa application centre.
- Give your fingerprints and photo. At the centre, keep your eyes clearly visible: no tinted lenses and no glare on your glasses. Your hands should be free of henna.
- Use prints only if they are needed. If you do not give biometrics, print two identical photos of at least 35 × 45 mm, head 31–36 mm, on a plain white or light background, and write your name and date of birth on the back.
Sample photos
Samples show pose, lighting and background. Crop your own photo to the Canada visa size.
Canada visa photo FAQ
Usually not. Most applicants give their fingerprints and photo at a visa application centre, and IRCC says paper photos are then not needed.
When prints are needed, send two identical photos of at least 35 × 45 mm, with the head 31–36 mm from chin to crown, on a plain white or light-coloured background, taken within the last six months.
Yes, non-tinted prescription glasses are allowed if your eyes are clearly visible and the frames do not cover them. At the biometrics appointment there must be no glare, and tinted lenses are not allowed.
10 years. If you gave biometrics within that time, you may not need to give them again.
Yes, for religious reasons. The photo specifications allow a religious head covering if your full facial features are visible, and the biometrics page allows religious or medical head coverings.
Official sources
- IRCC: Temporary resident visa application photograph specifications
- IRCC: Guide 5256 – Applying for a visitor visa
- IRCC: How to apply for a visitor visa
- IRCC: Biometrics – how to give your fingerprints and photo
- IRCC: Entry requirements by country or territory
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.