Canada visa photo for Indians: biometrics at VFS

Short answer: most Indians aged 14 to 79 give their fingerprints and photo at a visa application centre after applying, so they don't send paper photos (Canada.ca: who needs to give biometrics, IRCC: document checklist for a temporary resident visa (IMM 5484)). Children under 14, people over 79 and anyone exempt send two photos to the visa photo rules instead.

Read on the official pages below on 4 November 2026. Visa rules change, so check the official page before you apply.

How the photo is givenTaken at the visa centre (biometrics); paper photos only if exempt
Photo rules35×45 mm, white or off-white background: Canada Visa, work and study permit photo rules
All photo sizesVisa photos for visiting Canada

How it works from India

  1. Apply online for your visitor visa, study permit or work permit, and pay the biometrics fee with it (Canada.ca: who needs to give biometrics).
  2. Give your fingerprints and photo at a visa application centre when the letter asks, within 30 days (Canada.ca: who needs to give biometrics).
  3. If you don't give biometrics, include two photos that meet the visa photo rules, with your name and date of birth on the back (IRCC: document checklist for a temporary resident visa (IMM 5484)).
  4. Biometrics last 10 years, so a repeat applicant may not need to give them again (Canada.ca: who needs to give biometrics).

Or make it at home. Picproved costs ₹199 for 3 photos (free while we launch) for one person's photo in every size you need, and it checks the size, background, head size and face rules before you save. The office still makes the final decision. Make your Canada Visa, work and study permit photo

Questions

Does my child need a photo for a Canada visa from India?
Yes. Children under 14 don't give biometrics, so their application needs two photos that meet the visa photo rules.
Is the Canada visa photo the same as the Canadian passport photo?
No. They are different specifications. Use the visa photo rules for a visitor visa, study permit or work permit.

Visa photos for Indians: other countries

Indian passport photo · OCI photo · All Indian documents