Canadian Citizenship Photos — Los Angeles
Canadian Citizenship Photos in the Los Angeles area — IRCC compliant, 50×70mm, non-smear studio stamp. Listed on the Embassy of Canada's commercial photographer referral list.
If your photo is ever rejected, we retake it at no charge. In 30+ years it has never happened. Clients drive from across Southern California — most studios in LA have never heard of IRCC.
Karen Vaisman Photography is a listed resource for the Embassy of Canada specializing in Canadian Passport Photos and Canadian Citizenship Photos.
Karen Vaisman is a professional photographer and Master Retouch Artist with over 30 years of experience and 300+ 5-star reviews. Her Agoura Hills studio serves clients across Los Angeles and Ventura County.
Or call Karen directly: (818) 991-7787 · Mon–Sat, 9am–5pm
Canadian citizenship & passport photo requirements
Learn exactly what IRCC requires — size, stamp, background, expression, and why photos get rejected at drug stores.
Read the complete requirements guide →🍁 Canadian Citizenship Photos — Your Checklist
IRCC requires specific photos — different from U.S. passport photos. Here is exactly what is needed:
Size
50×70mm — not the U.S. 2×2 inch size
Background
Plain white, completely shadow-free
Expression
Neutral, no teeth showing, both eyes fully open
Studio stamp
Required on back of one photo — non-smear ink, studio name, address & date
Your application form
CIT 0002 (adult citizenship) · CIT 0001 (proof of citizenship) · CIT 0003 (minors)
Turnaround
Ready in 1 hour · by appointment Mon–Sat
How It Works
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1
Book Your Time
Sessions are by appointment. On rare occasions we can accommodate same-day emergencies — call (818) 991-7787 or book online here.
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2
Pro Studio Session
Flattering lighting and expert posing. We follow IRCC specifications precisely and confirm compliance on the spot — correct size, correct stamp, correct background, every time.
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3
Leave in About 1 Hour
Printed and/or digital files as required. Zero rejections in 30+ years. Clients say it's worth the drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
CANADIAN PASSPORT & CITIZENSHIP PHOTOS
Families Travel From Across Southern California
Many Canadian citizens travel from Pasadena, Santa Monica, Santa Clarita, Palm Springs, Ventura County, Orange County, San Diego and beyond for Canadian passport and citizenship photos.
Families often bring multiple relatives for passport, citizenship, proof of citizenship, children’s and infant photo applications — and frequently refer other family members because Canadian photo requirements are much stricter than standard U.S. passport photos.
For many clients, the peace of mind is worth the drive.
Book Canadian Photos
Canadian Citizenship Photos & Canadian Passport Photos —
Zero Rejections
in 30+ Years.
What we guarantee:
- Photos that meet every IRCC specification — or we retake them free
- Correct 50×70mm Canadian size, not the U.S. 2×2 size
- Permanent non-smear studio stamp on the back of one photo
- Shadow-free white background under professional studio lights
Canadian citizenship photos have strict requirements that differ from U.S. passport photos. Requirements differ between citizenship grants CIT 0002, citizenship certificates CIT 0001, and passport applications PPTC 153 — which is why photos taken at drug stores are so often rejected.
Most clients return for their Canadian passport photos when their citizenship is approved — we handle both, and we remember you. Serving clients from Santa Monica, Pasadena, Burbank, Thousand Oaks, Woodland Hills, Ventura, and across Southern California.
My mother and I needed Canadian passport photos for our dual-citizenship applications. We had contacted several photographers in our immediate location and none seemed to understand the specific requirements for the photos. Luckily we found Karen Vaisman who specializes in Canadian passport photos. She knew the exact measurements required for the photo as well as the other information required by the Canadian government. My mother just received confirmation of her dual citizenship. I look forward to receiving mine. Karen is a consummate professional in every way and we both highly recommend her services.
Read this review on Google
I get calls every week from people who’ve already tried CVS, FedEx, and UPS — and not one of them could help.
Most don’t have a studio stamp. They write the required information by hand with a ballpoint pen — on resin-coated photographic paper. Ballpoint ink won’t adhere to photo paper. The writing on the back smears and becomes illegible. Then you put both photos in the envelope, get home, pull them out — and the ink has transferred onto the face of the other photo. Both photos are ruined.
Then there’s the lighting. A single flash mounted on top of the camera, aimed straight at your face while you stand against a wall — your own body casts a black shadow behind your ears. Fluorescent overhead lights turn skin green and yellow — and none of it can be fixed in a government ID photo.
I can stack one of my photos on top of a drug store photo and you can see it immediately — they may say it is 50×70mm, but the cutting is often imprecise. IRCC checks every dimension precisely.
One client had her application returned six times before she found me. That’s why people drive from Santa Monica, Pasadena, San Diego, and Bakersfield — because most studios in Los Angeles have never heard of IRCC. That’s when people call me.
Staff may write by hand with standard ink on resin-coated photo paper.
Writing can smear on the back, then transfer onto the face of the other photo.
Single flash can cause dark shadows behind the ears.
Untrained lighting can make skin color look green, yellow, or uneven.
The photo must be 50×70mm, and IRCC checks dimensions precisely.
Smiling or showing teeth can get the application returned.
Hair over the eyes or face can create a photo rejection risk.
In 30+ years of Canadian citizenship and passport photography.
How We Compare to CVS, UPS & FedEx
| CVS, UPS & FedEx | Karen Vaisman Photography |
|---|---|
| No commercial studio stamp — staff may write by hand with standard ink on photo paper. | Commercial studio stamp — permanent non-smear ink formulated for photo paper. |
| Ink can smear on the back, making the writing illegible. | Permanent, clean impression — address and date stay readable. |
| Ink can transfer onto the face of the companion photo inside the envelope. | Both photos stay clean — ready to submit. |
| One format for all applications — wrong for CIT 0002 vs PPTC 153. | Correct format for your specific Canadian application type. |
Requirements differ between citizenship grants, citizenship certificates, and Canadian passport applications.
Canadian Citizenship Photos Can Be Rejected From the Back — Not Just the Front
For Canadian citizenship paper applications, the back of the photo must include the applicant’s first and last name, the photographer or studio name and complete address, and the date the photo was taken. If the wrong pen or ink is used on resin-coated photo paper, that required information can smear, transfer, or become unreadable.
Done Wrong: Standard Ink Can Smear on Resin-Coated Photo Paper
What can go wrong: drug stores may use standard ink or ballpoint pens on resin-coated photographic paper. That ink can smear, rub off, or transfer when the photos are stacked in the envelope — from the back of one photo onto the face of the other. Many people do not notice the damage until they get home.
- Ink can transfer from the back of one photo onto the face of the other
- Required information may become illegible
- The photo may look fine from the front but still fail from the back
Done Right: Permanent Non-Smear Ink for Stamps and Names
How Karen does it correctly: the studio name, complete address, and photo date are applied with permanent non-smear stamp ink designed to stay clean and readable on photo paper.
- Permanent non-smear stamp ink used for the studio address and date
- Room left for the applicant’s first and last name
- Non-smear ink pen provided for writing the applicant’s name on photo paper
Small detail. Big difference. The front of the photo, the back-side stamp, the date, and the applicant’s name all need to be handled carefully before the photos go into the envelope.
What’s Included
Your Canadian Citizenship &
Passport Photo Session
Everything IRCC requires — nothing left to chance.
Printed and cut to exact Canadian government dimensions — not the U.S. 2×2 inch size that gets applications rejected.
The required studio name, address, and photo date are applied with permanent non-smear ink designed for photographic paper.
For citizenship photos, Karen leaves room for the applicant’s first and last name and provides a non-smear ink pen that works on photo paper.
Professional studio lighting helps avoid shadows, uneven color, and the harsh flash problems common with quick photo counters.
Chin position, eyes, face angle, neutral expression, and hair placement are checked carefully before you leave.
Images are reviewed immediately after your session, so you never leave with a photo you have not approved.
For online citizenship applications, your digital file is prepared with the correct specifications for online submission.
Infants, children, seniors, and families are warmly accommodated for Canadian citizenship and passport photos.
Canadian Passport Photos
Same Studio — When Your Citizenship Is Approved
Most clients return for their Canadian passport photos the same week their citizenship is confirmed. The requirements are similar: 50×70mm photo size, a clean white background, precise head measurements, and a clear studio stamp on the back.
Karen handles both Canadian citizenship photos and Canadian passport photos. If you need both services at the same appointment, mention it when you book.
We also prepare PR card photos and children’s passport photos. Zero rejections in 30+ years.
Book Your Passport Photo SessionPrepared to Canadian photo requirements, with print and digital options available.
Infants and children are warmly accommodated. Karen specializes in baby and child passport photos.
Space is left on the back of one passport photo for guarantor certification and signature when required.
Digital files can be prepared for online Canadian passport renewal when needed.
See 300+ 5-star reviews on Google ›
We had a Canadian passport rejected that we had done at FedEx due to a shadow on my face. We could not see a shadow whatsoever but needed a new one done ASAP. Karen got me into her studio that same day and had the photos processed in 35 minutes with the correct stamp for the Canadian passport. She was excellent. We strongly recommend her work.
The Rejection Reasons
Nobody Warns You About
Drug stores often don't have a commercial stamp — they write by hand with ballpoint pen on resin-coated photo paper. The ink smears and ruins both photos. And photos cut even slightly off the required 50 x 70 mm are rejected by IRCC.
How We Make Sure It Never Happens to You
Commercial Photographer Stamp Included
IRCC requires a commercial photographer's stamp on the back of one citizenship photo — studio name, address, and date the photo was taken. Also required for Canadian passport applications (PPTC 153), citizenship grants (CIT 0002), and citizenship certificates (CIT 0001).
We use non-smear ink formulated for resin-coated photo paper — the same glossy paper professional passport photos are printed on. Regular ballpoint ink won't adhere to this surface. It smears, transfers onto the companion photo, and ruins both.
Required studio stamp — included on every Canadian passport and citizenship photo session.
Cut to Exact Size50 x 70 mm
Canadian passport and citizenship photos must meet IRCC's strict biometric photo standards — including an exact size of 50 x 70 mm. IRCC checks every dimension precisely. Photos cut even slightly off are rejected.
Most drug stores claim 50 x 70 mm but cut imprecisely. We use a dedicated Canadian photo cutter calibrated to exact IRCC specifications — clean, straight edges every time. Digital files for the IRCC online portal are also available at the correct pixel dimensions.
I needed someone to take a headshot with a highly specific set of parameters for a Canadian Citizenship Application Certificate. After talking with her, and visiting her studio, I knew instantly that Karen had significant experience with the type of headshot I needed. And looking around at her other work on the walls, it was impressive. The photo I needed was exactly to spec, but more importantly, Karen's service is stellar. She has the old school customer service vibe that is almost non-existent these days. I think the thing I appreciate most, is that Karen gave me a hand-written Thank You note. That should tell you a lot about her as a professional, and as a person.
"Karen was fantastic. We got a quick turnaround of photos for our two kids for their Canadian certificate of citizenship digital photos and Canadian passport photos. Highly professional and detail-oriented, went above and beyond to ensure the photos would meet the application requirements. Thanks again!"
The Canadian government requires citizenship photos for several application types. The two most common are becoming a Canadian citizen (citizenship grant) and obtaining proof of citizenship (citizenship certificate). Both have the same photo specifications, and I'm fully familiar with the photo requirements for each.
Rejection Cause #1
Shadows on Photo
Meet our Shadow-Free Passport Photo Studio
This is not a drugstore passport photo.
Karen has prepared Canadian passport photos for 30+ years with a 100% acceptance rate. Every photo includes professional studio lighting, shadow-free backdrop, precise sizing, and the required studio stamp — the detail most LA photo shops don't even know exists. Most clients find the peace of mind worth every penny.
Specialist In Infant & Child
Canadian Passport Photos
& Canadian Citizenship Photos
- Large Studio Softboxes: Gentle professional lighting eliminates shadows — perfect for strict Canadian standards.
- Expert Flat-Lay Setup: Safe, white backgrounds for newborns — the gold standard for Canadian Passport Photos.
- Warm & Relaxed: Studio space heaters ensure your infant remains comfortable and calm.
- 30+ Years of Success: Redos provided at no charge if a government rejection ever occurs.
Needed my Canadian Passport Photos done and Karen was phenomenal. She took multiple photos and made sure they were up to the rigorous Canadian requirements. Not only that, but she knew I was on a deadline and she followed up with me to make sure everything was on track. Karen goes above and beyond and I highly recommend.
Call Karen at (818) 991-7787 for Canadian Citizenship Photos, Canadian Passport Photos, or any ID photo questions.
Or email here:
Need Professional Canadian Citizenship Photos or Canadian Passport Photos in the Los Angeles Area? Ready in Just 1 Hour.
Need to know what to wear for the perfect passport photo? It is similar to wardrobe for professional headshots.
Canadian Citizenship Example Photo
Our Premier Professional Photography Studio for Canadian Passport Photos:
Karen Vaisman Photography
5624 Silver Valley Ave
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
"I went to Karen Vaisman Photography to have Canadian passport photos taken. These photos require a very specific list of guidelines to follow and if they're not met, the passport application gets returned. Karen has years of experience in shooting these photos and knows the importance of every detail. The photos turned out perfect, and her professionalism and fast turn-around made the whole experience excellent. Highly recommended!"
New Canadian Passport Photos Near Me
Have questions?
Frequently Asked Questions — Canadian Citizenship Photos & Canadian Passport Photos
Yes. Karen Vaisman Photography is recognized by the Embassy of Canada as a trusted resource for Canadian passport and citizenship photography in the Los Angeles area — one of very few studios to hold this distinction.
Karen holds a BFA in Photography from Syracuse University and has produced Canadian passport and citizenship photos for 30+ years with zero rejections. In the unlikely event a photo is ever not accepted, Karen retakes it for free.
Both use the same 50×70mm size and the same plain white background — but the stamp on the back is different. The citizenship application requires its own specific studio certification stamp, which is not the same as the passport stamp. Karen applies the correct stamp for whichever application you are submitting.
Each application type also has its own IRCC specifications:
- CIT 0002 — citizenship grant (becoming a Canadian citizen for the first time)
- CIT 0001 — citizenship certificate (proving you are already a citizen)
- PPTC 153 — adult Canadian passport application
- PPTC 054 — child Canadian passport application
Not sure which form you have? Call Karen at (818) 991-7787 before booking.
No — they are completely different. A photo taken for a U.S. passport will not be accepted for a Canadian passport or citizenship application. Canadian photos must be 50×70mm, taken by a recognized commercial photographer, with a studio stamp on the back. See the official Canadian passport photo requirements for full government specifications.
Yes. The Canadian government requires that passport and citizenship photos be taken by a recognized commercial photographer or studio. Photos taken at drugstores, kiosks, or on a smartphone do not meet this requirement and are frequently rejected.
Many retail and drug store locations do not have a commercial studio stamp at all — they write the required information by hand with a ballpoint pen, which smears on photographic paper. A smeared or illegible stamp is grounds for rejection. Karen Vaisman Photography uses a professionally produced studio stamp with non-smear ink specially formulated to adhere to photographic paper.
The most common rejection reasons from retail locations:
- Wrong size — U.S. 2×2 instead of Canadian 50×70mm
- Missing or smeared studio stamp — ballpoint pen smears on photographic paper and transfers ink onto the companion photo
- Shadows on the face or background — the number one rejection reason
- Fluorescent store lighting causes yellow and green color casts that fail IRCC skin tone requirements
- Bald or closely shaved heads can reflect fluorescent lighting, making the scalp indistinguishable from the white background
- Wrong background color or shadows on the background
- Photos that have been digitally altered or edited
Karen’s studio uses five studio lights to eliminate all shadows — on the background, under the chin, and around the face — and professional photographic lighting that renders accurate, natural skin tones.
The Canadian government requires a commercial studio stamp on the back of one of your two photos. The stamp must include the studio name, address, and the date the photo was taken. The second photo is submitted without a stamp.
Karen applies a permanent, non-smear studio stamp — not handwritten ballpoint, which smears on resin-coated photographic paper and can transfer ink onto the other photo, ruining both. Karen also provides a non-smear ink pen for you to write your name on the back, since a smeared name causes the same rejection.
Every session includes:
- Two compliant prints sized to exact Canadian government specifications (50×70mm)
- Commercial studio stamp on the back of one print
- Space left for guarantor signature where required
- Correct stamp for your specific application type — CIT 0002, CIT 0001, or PPTC 153
If you would like a stamp on the second photo — for your own records or a copy application — a second stamped photo is available as an upgrade when you book, by email, or at your session.
For certain Canadian passport applications (PPTC 153), a guarantor must sign the back of one of your photos and certify it is a true likeness of you. Adult passport renewals do not require a guarantor. Citizenship applications (CIT 0002, CIT 0001) have different requirements.
Karen leaves space on the back of your photo specifically for the guarantor signature where required. For the exact guarantor requirements for your specific application type, refer to the official Government of Canada passport photo page.
The Canadian government requires a plain white background for both passport and citizenship photos. The background must be evenly lit with no shadows, patterns, or objects. Shadows on the background are the number one reason Canadian photos are rejected.
Karen’s studio uses five studio lights specifically to eliminate all shadow — on the background, under the chin, and around the face — producing the clean, evenly lit white background IRCC requires.
Wear a solid-colored top with no patterns or logos that contrasts with the white background. Jewel tones — navy, emerald, burgundy, deep purple — photograph beautifully. Avoid white or very pale tops, which blend into the required white background.
No hats, no glasses, and no head coverings (except for religious reasons). Karen is happy to advise before your session — just call (818) 991-7787.
No — retouching is not permitted. The Government of Canada explicitly states that photos must not be altered in any way, including photo editing software, filters, or AI tools. This includes corrections to colour, brightness, contrast, background, or facial features. Applications will be rejected if photos have been altered in any way.
All photos taken at Karen’s studio are unaltered originals meeting every IRCC requirement.
The Canadian government has strict technical requirements. Karen handles all of these for you:
- Neutral expression — no teeth showing, no smile, mouth closed
- Both eyes fully visible and open
- Head size meeting precise IRCC measurement specifications
- Print dimensions of exactly 50×70mm — not the U.S. 2×2 inch size
- Plain white background with no shadows
- No patterns or logos on clothing — solid colors only
- No digital alterations of any kind
- Non-smear commercial studio stamp on the back of one print
- Photo taken within the last 6 months
- Correct stamp for your specific application type
See the official IRCC citizenship photo specifications and the Canadian Citizenship Photo Requirements guide for the complete requirements.
Yes. Digital files are available with certain packages. For Canadian citizenship applications submitted online through the IRCC portal, a digital photo file is required rather than printed photos. The digital file includes the required text file with studio stamp information as specified by IRCC. For Canadian passport online renewals, a digital photo meeting IRCC specifications is also required.
See full package options when you book your appointment online.
Yes. Canadian PR card photos follow the same 50×70mm IRCC specifications as Canadian passport photos — plain white background, neutral expression, professionally printed, no shadows, no digital alterations. For paper applications two identical printed photos are required with the studio stamp on the back. For online applications through the IRCC Permanent Residence Portal, one digital photo is required. No guarantor signature is needed for PR card photos.
See the official Government of Canada PR card photo requirements.
Yes — and Karen specializes in exactly these. Infants and young children have their own Canadian passport photo rules (form PPTC 054 for children under 16), and Karen handles them with gentle studio lighting, safe flat-lay setups for newborns, and a warm, calm studio. Many studios refuse to photograph infants or simply try and fail.
Please call ahead for infant sessions so Karen can prepare: (818) 991-7787.
Absolutely. Karen frequently helps clients whose photos were rejected elsewhere. The most common reasons are:
- Shadows on the face or background
- Incorrect head size or measurements
- Wrong print dimensions
- Missing commercial studio stamp
- Stamp written in ballpoint pen that smeared on the photo paper
- Fluorescent store lighting causing unacceptable skin tone color cast
Call (818) 991-7787 or book your appointment online. You can also read about why Canadian citizenship photos get rejected on the blog.
If your photo is ever rejected by the Canadian government, Karen Vaisman Photography will retake it at no charge. In 30+ years of Canadian citizenship and passport photography, this has never happened.
Karen is meticulous about every IRCC requirement — precise head measurements, exact 50×70mm print dimensions, shadow-free white background, correct expression, and the correct non-smear commercial studio stamp for your specific application type.
Please note: while Karen guarantees a free retake if rejection ever occurs, final acceptance decisions rest with IRCC.
Karen’s studio is by appointment only. Sessions are quick and your photos are ready in about one hour. Same-day availability depends on the schedule — call ahead or check availability online before making the trip.
Call Karen directly at (818) 991-7787 to check availability, or check availability and book your appointment online here.
Clients come to Karen’s Agoura Hills studio from all over Southern California for Canadian passport and citizenship photos. Every client receives the same zero-rejection standard regardless of where they travel from.
Karen Vaisman Photography is located at 5624 Silver Valley Avenue, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 — just off the 101 Freeway at Reyes Adobe, minutes from Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village.
Book your appointment online here or call (818) 991-7787. Monday–Saturday, 9am–5pm, by appointment only.
Professional Canadian passport photos and Canadian citizenship photos prepared by appointment in Agoura Hills, serving Los Angeles, Ventura County, Conejo Valley, and surrounding areas. Photos are prepared to official Canadian specifications.
Book Canadian Passport Photo →“What a breath of fresh air to have found Karen to do my photo needs! She is everything ‘no nonsense pro’ … efficient and precise in her set up, instructions, tips for the photo shoot and the end result is excellent. She is also everything ‘genuine and accessible’ … with a wonderfully kind and friendly energy that makes her easy to talk to, ask questions and when you do talk to her you know she hears you! Not enough business folks like her out there these days. Thank you Karen!”