DIY Canada Passport Photo: How to Create 50x70mm Photos & Print at Staples for $1

Why Pay $25 at Shoppers Drug Mart or CAA?

In Canada, getting two printed passport or Permanent Residence (PR) photos at retail counters like Shoppers Drug Mart, Jean Coutu, London Drugs, or CAA/AAA costs between $21.99 and $26.99 + tax.

However, Passport Canada and IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) do not mandate taking your photo at a commercial studio counter. As long as your photo meets official 50 mm x 70 mm dimensions, white background rules, head proportions (31mm to 36mm), and date stamping guidelines, you can create compliant photos at home for a fraction of the price!

By taking your photo at home and converting it into a 4x6 inch printable photo sheet, you can order a standard 4x6 print at Staples Canada, Walmart Canada, or Costo for $0.39 to $0.99 total!

Step-by-Step DIY Guide: DIY Canada Passport Photos

Step 1: Take a Front-Facing Photo at Home

1. 1Stand 4 feet away from a plain light wall with indirect window daylight (no shadows across cheeks or neck).
2. 2Look straight into your smartphone camera with a neutral facial expression and mouth closed.
3. 3Keep your hair behind your ears and shoulders level. Do not wear white tops that blend with the backdrop.

Step 2: Use Passphoto Maker for 50x70mm Biometric Cropping

1. 1Go to Passphoto Maker Canada Tool.
2. 2Select Canada Passport (50x70mm) or Canada PR (50x70mm).
3. 3Upload your photo. Our AI face-detection system locks the 50:70 ratio and positions your head between 31 mm and 36 mm (44% to 51% of vertical height).
4. 4The AI automatically removes home background shadows and replaces them with a solid, government-mandated plain white (#FFFFFF) background.

Step 3: Download the 300 DPI 4x6 Print Template

1. 1Click Confirm Crop & Generate.
2. 2Download the high-resolution 300 DPI 4x6 Inch Printable Sheet (containing two 50x70mm photo tiles with light dashed scissor cut guidelines).

Step 4: Printing at Staples Canada, Walmart, or Home

Option A: Printing at Staples Canada (Recommended)

1. 1Go to Staples.ca Photo Printing or use the Staples Print kiosk in-store.
2. 2Select 4x6 Inch Photo Prints (Glossy or Matte finish).
3. 3Upload your exported 4x6 JPEG file. Do NOT choose "Passport Service".
4. 4Pay $0.39 to $0.49 for instant in-store pickup!

Option B: Printing at Walmart Canada

1. 1Go to Walmart Canada Photo Centre (in-store or online at walmartphotocentre.ca).
2. 2Upload your 4x6 sheet as a Standard 4x6 Digital Print.
3. 3Cost: $0.29 to $0.39 per print.

Option C: Printing at Home

If you own a color photo printer (such as a Canon SELPHY CP1300/CP1500 or Epson EcoTank photo printer):

1. 1Load 4x6 inch Glossy Photo Paper.
2. 2Print at 100% Scale / Actual Size (do NOT fit to page or stretch).

Passport Canada Back-of-Photo Stamping Rules

For adult Canadian passport applications submitted in person or by mail, Passport Canada requires specific information written on the back of ONE photo:

1. 1Date Taken: Write the date the photo was taken (e.g. 2026-09-01).
2. 2Name and Address: Write the name and civic address of the person or tool (e.g. Passphoto Maker, Online AI Utility / Staples Print).
3. 3Guarantor Signature: Your guarantor must sign the back of one photo stating *"I certify this to be a true likeness of [Applicant Name]"*.

Applying for Canadian PR, Express Entry, or Student Visas? For complete visa application assistance, study permit filing, and overseas consultation, visit Bharathrise Overseas Educational Services.

Make Your 50x70mm Canada Photo Now →