Recently there have been changes made to the Canadian passport photo specifications.  Although the dimensions of the photos are still 50×70 mm (2×2.75 inch), the background in the photo as well as the back side of the printed photo are different. Please do not wear white clothing as it could blend in the background and the photo will be rejected.

Passport photo:
Two identical photos with a light-colored background, one photo with guarantor studio stamp and one without the stamp.
Valid for 6 months.

Citizenship photo:
Two identical photos with a light-colored background, both photos with the studio stamp as well as your first and last name.
Valid for 6 months.

Permanent resident photo:
Two identical photos with a bright white background, both photos with the studio stamp as well as your date of birth and first / last name.
Valid for 12 months.

Sample shown Canadian passport 50×70 mm (2×2.75 inch)
Note: Canadian permanent resident photo is different than the passport photo.

Currently there are conflicting printed photo dimensions requirements between the embassy of India and VFS Global, while they are updating their passport application process.

They both require a digital photo in the size of 630×810 pixels with a bright white background and with a face size of 80-85% of the photograph.

Note to uploading the digital photo:
It has been reported that there are issues when uploading the digital photo during the online application process. Although the digital photo is less than 250 KB often times there will be an error stating that the image size is larger than 250 KB. This seems to happen with various people under different situations and the suggestion made is to continue uploading the photo a few times, and it will most likely succeed. This upload issue is most likely an error on their website.

As far as the printed photo requirements they list two sizes, Seva 35×45 millimeter and Traditional 51×51 millimeter. It is still not clear which size is required, some people report one of the other and some people suggest providing both sizes in their application, so the issuing office can pick and choose. One thing that is the same in both photo dimensions, is the head size 25-35 millimeter from chin to crown, and it has to be made from the same photo taken as for the digital photo.

For this reason, I provide you with a package containing both two each of both the Seva and Traditional printed sizes (4 photos total) and the digital photo for upload, in one set.

Both the Seva 35×45 mm and Traditional 51×51 mm is still mentioned in official sources. It is important to verify the size required by your agency for submission.

I recommend the following since the India passport photo requirements are currently being updated:

– Always verify your specific application with your agency before your photo appointment.
– Follow the size shown inside your official application portal or appointment confirmation.
– When in doubt, contact your PSK, VFS center, or consulate directly or bring one printed photo of each size.

Official press release: Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India

Sample shown India 35×45 mm (1.3×1.9 inch)