Canada TRV photo guide
Canada Temporary Resident Visa Photo Requirements
Create a compliant Canada TRV photo with a recent, unaltered image on a plain white or light-colored background. A temporary resident visa photo (35 x 45 mm) is a different size from a Canadian passport photo (50 x 70 mm) — using the wrong size is one of the most common rejection reasons.
Canada TRV photo requirements
These 6 core requirements are summarized for quick reference. Always confirm against the current IRCC instructions before you submit your application.
Official source: IRCC temporary resident visa photo specifications
Who PhotoOmni is for
PhotoOmni supports 3 common Canada TRV photo situations.
Visitor visa applications
Prepare a compliant TRV photo before you submit a paper or online temporary resident visa application.
Study and work permits
Study permits, work permits, and Express Entry profiles use the same 35 × 45 mm TRV photo size.
Photo re-checks
If your Canada visa photo was rejected or you are unsure it is the right size, run it through our TRV photo checker before you resubmit.
5 tips for taking a Canada TRV photo at home
Use these 5 tips before you upload your photo to our TRV photo tool.
- Face the camera with a neutral, closed-mouth expression.
- Use soft, even front-facing light against a plain white or light-colored wall.
- Leave space around your head and shoulders for the required crop.
- Keep your mouth closed and both eyes clearly visible.
- Remove sunglasses; non-tinted prescription glasses are allowed if your eyes are clearly visible.
Common reasons Canada TRV photos are rejected
Canada visa photo review is strict about size and background, since online and paper routes have different requirements.
- The photo uses the 50 × 70 mm Canadian passport size instead of the 35 × 45 mm TRV size.
- Head size falls outside the 31–36 mm chin-to-crown range.
- The background isn't plain white or light-colored, or shows shadows.
- The photo is older than 6 months or has been digitally altered.
- The two printed photos are not identical for a paper application.

PhotoOmni vs. online tools vs. photo studios
PhotoOmni combines at-home upload, an AI-powered Canada TRV photo check, expert review, and 2 output files.
Convenience
- PhotoOmni
- Upload from home in minutes
- Other online tools
- Usually online
- Traditional photo studios
- Requires a store visit
Peace of mind
- PhotoOmni
- AI pre-check plus expert approval
- Other online tools
- May lack expert review, or charge extra for it
- Traditional photo studios
- Depends on local staff
Expert adjustments
- PhotoOmni
- Included when needed
- Other online tools
- Varies by service
- Traditional photo studios
- Usually retake-based
Ready-to-use files
- PhotoOmni
- Digital photo plus print-ready sheet
- Other online tools
- May be limited or extra
- Traditional photo studios
- Digital copy may not be included
Rejection protection
- PhotoOmni
- 100% refund for photo-caused rejection
- Other online tools
- Policy varies by service
- Traditional photo studios
- Policy varies by shop
Total price & inclusions
- PhotoOmni
- One-time fee of $5.99
- Other online tools
- Add-ons can cost $3–$10+
- Traditional photo studios
- Often $15+; files vary







