Canadian Citizenship Photo Specifications
Citizenship photos are not the same as passport photos.
Notes to the photographer
Please make sure that you provide:
• Two identical photos, (black & white or color) produced from the same untouched negative,
or exposed simultaneously by a split-image or multi-lens camera;
• the name of the photographer or the studio, the studio address and the date the photos were taken on the back of the photos.
The photos must:
• show a full front view of the person's head centered in the middle of the photo;
• have a plain white background;
• a plain white signature strip (no more than 10mm and no less than 6mm deep) at the bottom;
• be produced on single weight matte paper.
The photos must measure:
• 35mm x 53mm finished size;
• between 25mm and 35mm from chin to crown.
Notes to the applicant
• citizenship photos must have been taken within 12 months of the date of the application;
• do not wear a head covering unless you wear one because of your religion;
• write the name of the person on the back of the photos;
• adults and children 14 years of age and older must sign their name in black or blue ink in the white signature area below each photo. Do not print. For children under 14 years of age, leave the signature strip blank and print the name of the child on the back of the photos;
• put both signed photos in the small envelope provided or in your own envelope.
Your signature must fit entirely within the white signature strip that appears at the bottom of your photos.
Your photos will be returned to you if any portion of your signature extends outside the white strip.
Do not staple, glue or otherwise attach the photos directly to the application.