Make Temporary Resident Visa Canada Photo & Requirements

A temporary resident visa (TRV), also known as a visitor visa, is a legal document that allows eligible foreign nationals to enter Canada for short-term purposes like tourism, visiting family, business meetings, or short courses under six months. It comes in single-entry (one trip only) or multiple-entry (unlimited trips during validity) formats, typically lasting up to 10 years but permitting stays of no more than six months per visit, as decided by border officers.

Issued to citizens of visa-required countries; exemptions apply for some nations via eTA (electronic travel authorization).

Requires proof of ties to the home country, sufficient funds, and intent to leave Canada after the visit.

Separate from work or study permits, which require additional applications.

Major Canadian pharmacy chains such as Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, and Jean Coutu offer in‑store photo services suitable for Canadian Temporary Resident Permit photos. Prices typically range from about 12–20 CAD depending on the location and number of prints.

Many UPS Store locations in Canada provide ID photo services that can be used for TRP applications. FedEx Office is less common in Canada than in the U.S., but selected printing and shipping centres may still offer compliant ID photo services; always check availability and price in advance.

Some large retail chains and big‑box stores with photo centres, such as Walmart, also produce photos that meet Canadian immigration and visa requirements. Availability and pricing may vary by province, but you can generally expect a budget‑friendly option with basic compliance checks.

Independent photo studios and professional portrait photographers in Canada often offer dedicated services for immigration and visa photos, including Canadian TRV photo specifications. They usually charge more than pharmacies or retail chains but provide tailored lighting, posing guidance, and manual compliance checks, which can increase the likelihood of approval on the first try.

If you prefer not to visit a store, you can use an online passport photo maker, such as PhotoGov, that supports Canadian document standards, including temporary resident permit photos. The service allows you to upload a selfie from home, automatically crop and adjust it to the IRCC photo specifications for a temporary resident visa, and download a digital file or printable template ready for submission.

To apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa), start by gathering proof of financial support that clearly demonstrates you can cover all expenses during your stay in Canada. You should also prepare information about your family members and your current legal status, and confirm whether anyone already holds permanent resident status in Canada, as this may affect which supporting documents are required in your application process.

Next, download and fill out the application form, making sure every field is properly completed, and the form is signed and dated. After that, book an appointment at the nearest visa application centre, where you will submit your valid passport, provide biometrics, and hand in your full visa application package.

Your package should include the following documents: a birth certificate, a passport, an original letter from an employer, a marriage certificate, or a statutory declaration for a common law partner or common law relationship, plus other additional documents confirming a change of name or marital status.

Use the official document checklist provided by Citizenship Canada to verify that you have included all required forms and supporting documents, and add any other official documents that help explain your situation and support your reasons for travelling to Canada as a temporary resident.