Quick answer
What photo do Chinese applicants need for a Canada visa?
PRC passport holders need a visitor visa, applied for online, and then give fingerprints and a photo at a visa application centre. Where photos are submitted, IRCC asks for two identical photos at least 35 × 45 mm, head 31–36 mm from chin to crown, on a plain white or light background, taken within 6 months.
China is on Canada's visa-required list, so PRC passport holders need a visitor visa (temporary resident visa, 加拿大签证). You must apply online, paying CAD 100 plus CAD 85 for biometrics, and then give your fingerprints and photo at a visa application centre. Where IRCC asks for printed photos, they must be at least 35 × 45 mm, with the head 31–36 mm from chin to crown, on a plain white or light background, taken within 6 months.
Canada visitor visa photo size and requirements
| Photo size | Frame at least 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Head height | 31–36 mm, chin to crown |
| Background | Plain white or light-coloured |
| Clarity | Clear and well defined |
| Photo age | Taken within the last 6 months; two identical photos |
| Glasses | Non-tinted prescription glasses allowed if your eyes are clearly visible; no sunglasses |
| Digital photos | Must not be altered in any way |
| Online file size | Not stated on IRCC's photo page |
| Biometrics | Fingerprints and photo at a visa application centre, after your instruction letter |
IRCC's visitor visa page (updated 28 August 2026) lists no separate photo upload for online applications, and your photo is taken with your fingerprints at the visa centre. Follow the 35 × 45 mm photo specification (page dated 24 July 2023) if your document checklist asks for photos, for example on a paper application.
Biometrics at a visa application centre
After you apply, wait for your biometrics instruction letter, then book an appointment at a visa application centre to give your fingerprints and photo. The biometrics fee is CAD 85 per person or up to CAD 170 per family, and first-time online applicants pay it when they submit, unless exempt. IRCC told a parliamentary committee in 2021 that VFS Global ran 11 visa application centres for Canada in mainland China and 1 in Hong Kong, so check the current list on the IRCC website.
Applying from China
IRCC says you must apply online. Paper applications are allowed only if you cannot apply online, for example because of a disability, or if you travel on a refugee, stateless or non-citizen travel document. The visitor visa fee is CAD 100 per person or CAD 500 for a family of 5 or more, plus the biometrics fee. You upload a clear colour copy of your passport with the application.
Can you use an eTA instead?
No. China is on IRCC's list of travellers who need a visa, so an electronic travel authorization (eTA) is not available on a PRC passport.
Chinese passport photos are a different size
A Chinese passport photo is 33 × 48 mm, narrower than Canada's minimum 35 mm width. If you need prints for Canada, crop a new 35 × 45 mm copy from the original. See the photo size chart.
How to get your Canada visa photo right
- Apply online. Fill in the visitor visa application online and pay CAD 100 plus CAD 85 for biometrics.
- Wait for your biometrics letter. Then book an appointment at a visa application centre.
- Give your fingerprints and photo. Take your passport and the instruction letter to the centre.
- Print photos only if asked. If your checklist asks for photos, make two identical 35 × 45 mm prints with the head 31–36 mm high, on a plain white or light background.
Sample photos
Samples show pose, lighting and background. Crop your own photo to the Canada visa size.
Canada visa photo FAQ
The frame must be at least 35 × 45 mm, with the head 31–36 mm from chin to crown, on a plain white or light background, taken within the last 6 months.
IRCC's visitor visa page lists no separate photo upload. Your photo is taken with your fingerprints at the visa application centre.
Yes, non-tinted prescription glasses, as long as your eyes are clearly visible. Sunglasses are not allowed.
CAD 85 per person, or up to CAD 170 for a family, on top of the CAD 100 visa fee.
No. PRC passport holders need a visitor visa.
Official sources
- IRCC: Entry requirements by country
- IRCC: Apply for a visitor visa
- IRCC: Temporary resident visa photo specifications
- IRCC: Visa application centres (committee briefing, 2021)
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.