Canadian Passport Photos in Pasadena
Plus PR card and citizenship photos, printed or digital. Canada’s photo rules are different from U.S. rules. We take your photo in person and print it at the Canadian size: 50 × 70 mm (2 × 2¾ in). Then we stamp our studio’s name, address and the date on the back. You don’t need to bring the rules — we already follow them.
- 50 × 70 mm prints
- Studio stamp on the back
- Digital files for online applications
- Kids & babies welcome
- Hablamos español
708 N Marengo Ave., Suite A, Pasadena • Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed 1:00–1:45 PM)
Canadian photos in 30 seconds
- Size: 50 × 70 mm (2 × 2¾ in). A U.S. 2 × 2 photo won’t work.
- Who takes it: a photo studio, in person. No selfies or home prints.
- How recent: no more than 6 months old for passports and citizenship, and no more than 12 months for PR cards.
- The back: one photo needs the studio’s name, address and the date it was taken. We stamp it for you.
- Your face: neutral, mouth closed, no smile, and nothing covering your eyes.
- Just tell us: passport, PR card or citizenship, and printed or digital. We handle the rest.
Canadian photo requirements at a glance
Canada uses one print size, but the rules differ by application. Tell us which one you’re filing, and we’ll shoot, print and label it to match.
| Application | What you submit | Size or file | Taken within | Background & colour | On the back / info we provide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passport Mail or in person | 2 identical printed photos | 50 × 70 mm; face 31–36 mm | 6 months | Plain white or light; colour or black & white | Studio name, full address and photo date. A guarantor certifies 1 photo (not needed for adult renewals). |
| Passport Online renewal | 1 digital photo | JPG, 3:2 portrait, 1,200 × 1,800 to 3,000 × 4,500 px, 200 KB–5 MB; face 45–50% of height | 6 months | Plain white or light; colour or black & white | You enter the studio name, address and photo date when uploading. No guarantor. |
| PR card / PR application Paper | 2 identical printed photos | 50 × 70 mm; head 31–36 mm | 12 months | Plain white only; colour or black & white | Your name and date of birth, studio name and full address, photo date. Stamped or handwritten, no stick-on labels. |
| PR card / PR application Online | 1 digital photo | JPG, 715 × 1,000 to 2,000 × 2,800 px, up to 4 MB | 12 months | Plain white only; colour or black & white | A “back of photo” upload with your name, date of birth, photo date, studio name and address, plus a receipt |
| Citizenship grant By mail | 2 identical printed photos | 50 × 70 mm; face 31–36 mm | 6 months | Plain white or light; colour | Your first and last name, studio name and full address, photo date |
| Citizenship grant Online | 1 digital photo | JPG, at least 420 × 540 px, about 240 KB (max 4 MB) | 6 months | Plain white or light; colour preferred | Studio file straight from the camera |
| Proof of citizenship (certificate) By mail | 2 identical printed photos | 50 × 70 mm; face 31–36 mm | 6 months | Plain white or light; colour | Your first and last name, studio name and full address, photo date |
| Proof of citizenship (certificate) Online | 1 colour digital photo | JPG, at least 420 × 540 px, about 240 KB (max 4 MB) | 6 months | Plain white or light; colour | A receipt or text file with your name, studio name and address, and photo date |
Highlighted cells are the details people most often get wrong. A passport photo can’t simply be reused for a PR or citizenship application.
Canadian passport photo requirements (adult, child & renewal)
Applying in person or by mail? You need 2 printed photos. Renewing an adult passport online? You need 1 digital photo. Canada’s immigration department (IRCC) suggests getting both, in case online renewal doesn’t work out. The same rules apply to first passports, children’s passports and Canadian passport renewals.
Printed photos Mail or in person
- 2 identical, unaltered photos per application, for adults and children
- Canadian passport photo size: 50 mm wide × 70 mm high (2 × 2¾ in)
- Face 31–36 mm (1¼–17/16 in) from chin to the top of the head
- Taken no more than 6 months before you apply
- Colour or black and white, with your natural skin tone
- Plain white or light-coloured background, with clear contrast against your face
- Professionally printed on plain, high-quality photo paper. Home prints and heavyweight paper aren’t accepted.
- On the back of 1 photo, the photographer writes or stamps the photo date and the studio’s name and full address
- A guarantor (a person who confirms the photo looks like you) writes “I certify this to be a true likeness of (name)” on that photo and signs it. Adult renewals don’t need a guarantor.
Digital photo Online adult renewal
- Taken in person by a commercial photographer. A scan of a printed photo isn’t accepted.
- .jpg or .jpeg, saved straight from the camera’s original file
- 3:2 portrait. Minimum 1,200 × 1,800 px, maximum 3,000 × 4,500 px.
- File size between 200 KB and 5 MB
- Chin-to-crown height is 45–50% of the photo’s height
- Taken no more than 6 months before you apply
- Same pose, lighting and background rules as the prints
- Instead of a guarantor, you enter the studio’s name, address and the photo date when you upload. We give you all three.
PR card photo requirements (permanent residence)
These rules cover applying for a permanent resident card and applying for permanent residence. PR photos have three rules that passport photos don’t: a white-only background, a 12-month window, and your name and date of birth on the back.
Printed photos Paper application
- 2 identical photos taken by a commercial photographer or studio
- 50 mm wide × 70 mm high (2 × 2¾ in)
- Head 31–36 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head, not counting hair, centred in the frame
- Taken no more than 12 months before you apply, and showing how you look now
- Plain white background with no pattern. You stand 1–2 metres in front of it to avoid shadows.
- Colour or black and white, professionally printed on plain, high-quality photo paper
- On the back of 1 photo: your name and date of birth, the studio’s name and full address, and the photo date
- Stamped or handwritten. Stick-on labels aren’t accepted. No signature or guarantor needed.
Digital photo Permanent Residence Portal
- 1 digital photo, uploaded after you complete form IMM 5444 in the portal
- Between 715 × 1,000 and 2,000 × 2,800 pixels
- .jpg or .jpeg, 4 MB or less
- Taken no more than 12 months before you apply
- A professional digital photo, or a scan of a professional print. A phone photo of a print isn’t accepted.
- You also upload a “back” document: your name and date of birth, the photo date, the studio’s name and full address, and the studio’s receipt. We provide all of it.
- The portal shows your photo in black and white after upload. That’s expected.
Canadian citizenship photo requirements (grant & certificate)
Becoming a citizen (a grant) and getting a citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship) both use 50 × 70 mm photos. Mailed applications need colour prints with your name on the back. Applying for proof of citizenship through a Canadian parent or grandparent? Canada’s citizenship-by-descent changes took effect December 15, 2025, and these are the photos you’ll need.
Printed photos By mail
- 2 identical colour photos from a commercial photographer or studio
- 50 mm wide × 70 mm high (2 × 2¾ in)
- Face 31–36 mm from chin to the natural top of the head
- Taken no more than 6 months before you submit
- Plain white or light-coloured background, with even lighting and natural skin tones
- Professionally printed on plain, high-quality photo paper
- On the back of 1 photo: your first and last name (or your child’s), the studio’s name and full address, and the photo date
- IRCC returns applications whose photos don’t meet the specifications
Digital photo Online
- 1 digital photo: colour for proof of citizenship, colour preferred for a grant
- .jpg or .jpeg with minimal compression, saved straight from the camera with no changes
- At least 420 × 540 pixels, about 240 KB, and no more than 4 MB
- Taken no more than 6 months before you submit
- For proof of citizenship, the photographer gives you a receipt or text file with your name, the studio’s name and full address, and the photo date. We include it.
What IRCC checks on every passport, PR and citizenship photo
These apply to prints and digital files alike. We set up our lighting, backdrop and posing to meet each one.
Taken by a professional
A commercial photographer or studio takes the photo in person. Canadian passports don’t accept selfies or home prints.
Neutral expression
Eyes open and clearly visible, mouth closed, no smiling or frowning, looking straight at the camera.
Square and centred
Face and shoulders centred and squared to the camera, with the head not tilted.
Even lighting
No shadows on the face, around the ears, across the shoulders or in the background. No glare or flash reflections, and natural skin tone.
Clear contrast
Plain, light background (white only for PR), clearly separated from your face and hair. Sharp and in focus.
Glasses
Allowed only if your eyes are clearly visible, the frames don’t cover them and the lenses have no glare. Not allowed: sunglasses or tinted lenses, even prescription.
Hair
Up or down is fine, as long as it’s off your face and the edges of your face are visible.
Head coverings
Allowed only if worn daily for religious or medical reasons, with the full face visible and no shadows on it.
Medical needs
Medical headwear or a nasal cannula is accepted if your eyes are visible. Include a signed letter of explanation (IRCC may ask for a doctor’s letter). For wheelchair users, a white covering goes behind the head.
No editing, at all
Canada rejects altered photos. That means no retouching, filters or AI tools, and no changes to colour, brightness or contrast. It also means no background swaps or cut-outs, and no removing glare, red-eye, blemishes or shadows. We don’t edit — we get it right in camera.
No red-eye
Red-eye isn’t accepted, and neither is digitally fixing it. Our lighting avoids it from the start.
Current appearance
The photo must look like you today, inside each application’s time window (6 or 12 months).
Canadian passport photos for babies and kids
- The same size, quality and time-window rules as adults
- Head and shoulders only. No hands in the photo, the parent’s or the child’s.
- Newborns can be photographed in a car seat with a white blanket over the seat behind the head, as long as there are no shadows
- Babies get some leeway on facial expression. Lighting must still be even.
- PR photos: no hair accessories for children
- Child passport applications need a guarantor to certify 1 photo
Our tips for an easy session
- Come after a nap or a feed. Calm babies photograph fastest.
- Bring the car seat for infants. We have a white blanket ready.
- Dress kids in a darker or coloured top, not white
- We take our time and retake until we have a frame that meets the rules
The studio stamp on the back of your photo
Canada wants the studio’s name, full address and the photo date on the back of one photo. We stamp it on every set in ink, never with a stick-on label. Then we add what your application needs and leave room for your guarantor.
708 N Marengo Ave Ste A
Pasadena, CA, USA
91103
Photo taken Date
“I certify this to be a true likeness of (name)”
(passport only, when required)
Passport
Our studio stamp and the date the photo was taken. We leave the lower part blank for your guarantor’s statement and signature. Adult renewals don’t need a guarantor.
PR card / PR application
Our studio stamp and photo date, plus your name and date of birth. No guarantor or signature.
Citizenship grant / proof of citizenship
Our studio stamp and photo date, plus your first and last name (or your child’s).
Digital files
The same details come on your receipt or in a text file, ready for the passport, PR or citizenship portal.
Canadian photo pricing
Passport Photos
- 2 printed 50 × 70 mm photos
- Studio stamp and photo date on the back
- Adult, child and renewal
Citizenship Photos
- 2 printed colour 50 × 70 mm photos
- Your name, studio stamp and date on the back
- Grant or proof of citizenship
PR Card / PR Photos
- 2 printed 50 × 70 mm photos, white background
- Name, date of birth, studio stamp and date on the back
Digital File Add-On
- Sized for the passport, PR or citizenship portal
- Studio details on the receipt for upload
Not sure which set you need? Call (626) 792-2185 and tell us the application. We’ll tell you exactly what to get. Need U.S. or other international photos? See all our passport photo services.
Canadian photo FAQ
Can I use my U.S. passport photo for a Canadian passport?
No. A U.S. passport photo is a 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) square. Canadian passport photos are 50 × 70 mm, with the face 31–36 mm from chin to the top of the head. They also need the studio’s name, full address and photo date on the back of one photo.
What’s the difference between a U.S. and a Canadian passport photo?
Canadian photos are taller (50 × 70 mm instead of 2 × 2 in) and need the photographer’s studio details on the back. They also need a guarantor’s signature on one photo, unless you’re renewing as an adult. Canada also requires a neutral expression with your mouth closed, while U.S. rules allow a natural smile.
What size is a Canadian passport photo?
50 mm wide by 70 mm high (2 × 2¾ inches). Your face must measure 31–36 mm from your chin to the top of your head. PR card and citizenship photos use the same size.
Where can I get a Canadian passport photo taken in the U.S.?
At a photo studio that knows Canada’s rules. It must print 50 × 70 mm photos and put the studio’s name, full address and the photo date on the back. We do this in Pasadena, a short drive from Los Angeles, Glendale, Burbank and the San Gabriel Valley.
Can CVS, Walgreens or UPS take Canadian passport photos?
Some stores can, but many are set up only for the U.S. 2 × 2 size. Before you go anywhere, ask two questions: do they print 50 × 70 mm photos, and will they stamp the studio’s name, address and date on the back? We do both, and we know the PR card and citizenship rules too.
Can I take my own Canadian passport photo at home?
No. IRCC requires Canadian passport photos to be taken in person by a commercial photographer or photo studio, and home-printed photos aren’t accepted. Citizenship and PR photos must also come from a commercial photographer or studio.
Are passport, PR and citizenship photos the same?
They share the 50 × 70 mm size, but they aren’t interchangeable. PR photos need a white background, can be up to 12 months old, and carry your name and date of birth on the back. Mailed citizenship photos must be in colour, with your name on the back. Passport photos carry a guarantor’s statement when one is required. Tell us the application, and we’ll prepare the right set.
Do I need a guarantor to sign my photo?
For Canadian passports, a guarantor certifies one photo, except for adult renewals, which don’t need one. Online adult renewals use the studio’s details instead. PR card and citizenship photos don’t need a guarantor.
How recent does my photo have to be?
Passport and citizenship photos must be taken no more than 6 months before you apply. PR card and permanent residence photos can be up to 12 months old.
Can I wear glasses?
Yes, if your eyes are clearly visible, the frames don’t cover your eyes and there’s no glare on the lenses. Sunglasses and tinted lenses aren’t accepted, even prescription ones. Taking glasses off for the photo is the simplest way to avoid glare.
Can I wear a religious head covering?
Yes, if you wear it every day for religious or medical reasons, your full face is visible and it doesn’t cast shadows on your face. For PR photos, avoid white coverings against the white background.
What should I wear?
Wear a darker or coloured top so you stand out from the light background. For PR photos, IRCC also recommends removing facial jewellery and avoiding turtlenecks, bulky jackets or tops that cover the neck.
Can you photograph my baby or toddler?
Yes. Newborns can be photographed in a car seat with a white blanket behind the head. No hands may appear in the photo, and babies get some leeway on expression. We take our time until we have a photo that meets the rules.
Do you provide digital photos for online applications?
Yes. We can provide a digital file sized for IRCC’s online adult passport renewal (3:2, 1,200 × 1,800 px or larger), the Permanent Residence Portal (715 × 1,000 to 2,000 × 2,800 px), or online citizenship applications (at least 420 × 540 px). We include the studio’s name, address and photo date that you’ll be asked for.
Will you retouch my photo or change the background?
No. Canada rejects any altered photo: retouching, filters, AI tools, colour or brightness changes, background swaps, and removing glare or red-eye. We use a real white backdrop and proper lighting so the photo is right without editing.
Do I need to bring the photo requirements?
No. We follow IRCC’s current specifications for passports, PR cards and citizenship. Just tell us which application you’re filing. For PR photos, we’ll ask your date of birth so we can write it on the back.
Where are you located?
We’re at 708 N Marengo Ave., Suite A, Pasadena, CA 91103, open Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed 1:00–1:45 PM). We’re close to Altadena, South Pasadena, La Cañada Flintridge, Glendale, Burbank, Arcadia, San Marino, Eagle Rock and Caltech, and a short drive from downtown Los Angeles.
Get your Canadian photos done right the first time
Looking for a Canadian passport photographer near you? We take passport, PR card and citizenship photos, printed or digital, to Canada’s current rules and stamp the back. Se habla español.
- Address
- 708 N Marengo Ave., Suite A
Pasadena, CA 91103 - Hours
- Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Closed 1:00–1:45 PM - Phone
- (626) 792-2185
(626) 449-1583 - Pasadenalivescan@gmail.com
- Directions
- Location & parking
About these requirements. We summarized the requirements on this page from IRCC’s official pages on canada.ca, checked November 2, 2026. IRCC can change its rules, and we follow the current version. Pasadena Live Scan Service is an independent business. We’re not affiliated with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or the Government of Canada.
- Passport photo requirements (canada.ca)
- Permanent resident photos (canada.ca)
- Citizenship grant by mail: photo specifications (canada.ca)
- Citizenship grant online: photo specifications (canada.ca)
- Proof of citizenship by mail: photo specifications (canada.ca)
- Proof of citizenship online: photo specifications (canada.ca)