Why do US pharmacies (CVS/Walgreens) ruin Canadian passport photos?

US drugstores automatically crop all passport photos to the American 2x2 inch (51x51 mm) square format. Passport Canada strictly requires 50x70 mm (2x2.75 inches). Submitting a 2x2 photo results in immediate rejection by the Canadian passport program.

What are the exact dimensions for a Canadian passport photo?

Photos must be 50 mm wide by 70 mm high (2 inches wide by 2 3/4 inches high). The length of the face from chin to crown of head (natural top of head) must be between 31 mm and 36 mm (1 1/4 inches and 1 7/16 inches).

What must be written on the back of a Canadian passport photo?

The back of one photo must indicate: 1. The date the photo was taken. 2. The name and complete address of the photo studio/service. 3. The guarantor's signature declaring 'I certify this to be a true likeness of [Applicant Name]' (for general adult applications).

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🇨🇦 Passport Canada Official Specifications

Canadian Passport Photos in the USA & Abroad

Living in the United States as a Canadian expat? Most US pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid) automatically cut passport photos to American 2×2" squares, causing immediate rejection by Passport Canada! Canada strictly requires rectangular 50×70 mm (2×2.75") prints with chin-to-crown between 31–36 mm.

Exact 50×70 mm (2×2¾") Dimensions Head Size: 31 mm to 36 mm Includes Back-of-Photo Stamp Guide Print-Ready 4×6 Sheet

Create Canadian 50×70mm Photo Back of Photo Stamp Guide

USA vs Canada Size Difference

2 × 2"

USA Format 51 × 51 mm Square REJECTED in Canada

50×70

Canada Format 50 × 70 mm Rectangular 100% COMPLIANT

EasyPassPhoto formats Canadian photos to exact 50×70 mm with 31–36 mm chin-to-crown biometrics.

Crucial Canadian Requirement

What Must Be on the Back of Your Photo

Unlike the US, Passport Canada requires specific information written or stamped on the back of one of the two photos:

Back of Photo #1 (Guarantor Photo):

I certify this to be a true likeness of:

[Applicant's Full Name]

_________________________________

[Guarantor's Signature]

Date Photo Taken: [YYYY-MM-DD]

Studio/Service: EasyPassPhoto

Address: [City, State / Province]

Back of Photo #2:

Must remain completely blank (no signature, no writing).

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