Canada Visa
IRCC Photo Rejected: Why It Happens and What to Retake
Why IRCC rejects Canada visa photos and what to change when you retake yours: 35x45mm size, head height, plain background. IRCC does not accept altered digital photos, so we explain the rules and do not make this photo.
Last updated Oct 9, 2026
Verified against the official source · Oct 8, 2026Why IRCC Applications Reject Photos
IRCC online applications and visa centers commonly return photos for measurable reasons: wrong dimensions, head size outside the accepted band, shadows on the face or background, and photos edited or compressed by messaging apps.
- Photo size: at least 35x45mm.
- Head: 31-36mm from chin to crown, roughly 69-80% of a 45mm frame.
- Plain white or light-coloured background with even lighting and no shadows.
- Neutral expression, eyes open, no tinted glasses.
- Upload the original camera file, not a WhatsApp or screenshot copy.
Before You Resubmit to IRCC
IRCC says digital photos must not be altered in any way, so a rejected photo has to be retaken and not edited. That is also why we do not make this photo.
- Retake it against a plain white or light-coloured wall.
- Keep the head at 31-36mm on a 35x45mm frame.
- Use even lighting, with no shadows on your face or behind you.
- Send the original camera file.
Real IRCC Photo Rejected Rejection Data
31.5% of IRCC Photo Rejected photos were rejected on first submission, based on 165 checks run through VisaPhotoCheck.
Most common reasons a rejected photo failed
- Crop or framing40%
- Accessories (glasses, hats, headphones)29%
- Lighting or shadows10%
- Resolution10%
- Expression6%
- Photo authenticity6%
- sharpness6%
- Head pose or angle4%
Each figure is the share of rejected IRCC Photo Rejected photos that failed that specific check. A single rejection often fails more than one check, so these do not add up to 100%.
Based on VisaPhotoCheck's own IRCC Photo Rejected submissions — this reflects our users, not an official or industry-wide rejection rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Document Requirements
Canada Visa
Canada visa photo requirements for IRCC applications: 35x45mm for a TRV, study permit or work permit, head 31-36mm, plai...
Canada Tourist Visa Photo
Canada tourist visa (TRV) photo requirements: 35x45mm, head 31-36mm, plain white or light background. IRCC does not acce...
Canada Study Permit Photo
Canada study permit photo requirements: 35x45mm, head 31-36mm, plain white or light background. IRCC does not accept alt...
Canada Work Permit Photo
Canada work permit photo requirements: 35x45mm, head 31-36mm, plain white or light background. IRCC does not accept alte...
Canada Passport
Canada passport photo requirements: 50x70mm, head 31-36mm, plain white or light background. The photo must be taken by a...
Canada PR Card Photo
Check Canada PR Portal digital photo dimensions, JPEG format, 4MB limit, white background, and professional-photographer...
35x45mm Photo
Check a 35x45mm (3.5x4.5 cm) passport or visa photo online, free. Exact size in mm and pixels, head height and backgroun...
Schengen Visa
Check and fix your Schengen visa photo online. Create a 35x45mm biometric photo for France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and o...