Indian Passport Renewal from Canada (2026): Photo Requirements, BLS Process, and Common Mistakes

If you are an Indian citizen in Canada and your passport is expiring, you already know the process will not be simple. What most guides skip is the part that causes the most rejections: the photo.

Indian passport renewal from Canada requires two different photo formats. Not one. Two. And neither matches the Canadian passport photo you might already have sitting in your wallet.

This guide covers exactly what photos you need, the precise specifications for each, how to avoid the most common rejection reasons, and the full BLS International submission process for 2026.

You Need Two Photo Formats

This trips up almost everyone. The Canadian passport photo (50×70mm) is a completely different size from what India requires. Using one for the other will get your application rejected immediately.

Here are the two formats you actually need:

Format 1: Digital Photo for Passport Seva (630×810 pixels)

This photo gets uploaded on the GPSP 2.0 portal (mportal.passportindia.gov.in) as part of your online application. Since GPSP 2.0 rolled out in late 2025, this digital upload is mandatory. Your application will not move forward without it.

Exact specifications:

• Dimensions: 630 pixels wide × 810 pixels tall (7:9 ratio, portrait orientation)
• File format: JPEG only
• File size: Under 250KB (the portal rejects anything larger)
• Background: Plain white, no shadows, no gradients
• Face coverage: 80–85% of the frame (your face from chin to crown fills roughly 648–689 pixels of the 810-pixel height)
• Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open, looking directly at camera
• Glasses: Not allowed (ICAO enforcement since September 1, 2025)
• No digital editing: GPSP 2.0 checks for AI-generated backgrounds, beauty filters, and skin tone alteration

Why this matters: The Passport Seva portal performs pixel-level validation. It will reject 629×810 or 631×810. It will reject PNG files. It will reject photos over 250KB. There is zero tolerance on these dimensions.

Most Canadian photo studios (Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, Walmart) produce Canadian passport photos (50×70mm) or US passport photos (2×2 inch). Neither of these is the 630×810 pixel format. You will need to either resize manually or use a tool designed for this specific format.

Format 2: Printed Photos for BLS (2×2 inch / 51×51mm)

These are physical printed photos that you include in the document packet submitted to BLS International. Two identical prints are required.

Exact specifications:

• Print size: 2 inches × 2 inches (51×51mm)
• Paper: Photo-quality paper (not regular printer paper)
• Background: Plain white
• Face coverage: 80–85% of the frame
• Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
• Glasses: Not allowed
• Recency: Taken within the last 6 months

One photo gets pasted (not stapled) on the application form. The second is submitted as a spare. BLS will not accept stapled photos.

Important: The 2×2 inch format is the same as a US passport photo, not a Canadian passport photo. If you go to Shoppers Drug Mart and ask for "passport photos," they will give you Canadian 50×70mm photos. You need to specifically request US-style 2×2 inch photos.

The Three Photo Sizes NRIs in Canada Confuse

Document	Photo Size	Where Used
Canadian Passport	50×70mm (printed)	IRCC / Service Canada
Indian Passport (digital)	630×810 pixels	Passport Seva portal upload
Indian Passport (printed)	2×2 inch / 51×51mm	BLS International submission
Indian OCI Card	51×51mm square, cream background	BLS (in-person since April 2026)

Using any one of these for a different application will result in rejection.

Where to Get Your Indian Passport Photos in Canada

Option 1: Photo studio (printed only)

Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, Walmart, and Costco all offer passport photo services. Ask specifically for "Indian passport 2×2 inch" or "US passport size." Do not accept Canadian passport size (50×70mm). These studios will give you the printed photos but not the 630×810 digital file you need for Passport Seva.

Option 2: PhotoPass (digital + print-ready)

PhotoPass produces the exact 630×810 pixel file for Passport Seva upload and a 4×6 inch print sheet with multiple 2×2 inch copies. You can print the sheet at Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart, or any photo printer for under $1. This gives you both formats from one photo for $2.99. If you also need a Canadian passport photo, PhotoPass supports IRCC's 50×70mm specification separately.

Option 3: DIY resize

If you already have a high-resolution digital photo, you can resize it to 630×810 pixels using any image editor. But you will need to ensure the face coverage is 80–85%, the background is pure white, and the file is under 250KB in JPEG format. The Passport Seva portal's validation is strict enough that manual resizing often fails on the first attempt.

The Full BLS Process (Step by Step)

Indian passport services in Canada run through BLS International, not VFS Global (which handles the US). BLS operates centres across Canada including Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Halifax. Mail-in applications are accepted for most renewal services.

Here is the process:

Step 1: Fill the online application

Go to mportal.passportindia.gov.in/mission (the GPSP 2.0 portal for overseas applicants). Register or log in under the Passport Seva Online Portal for citizens abroad. Complete the application form. Upload your 630×810 pixel photo and signature. Note your Application Reference Number (ARN).

Important: Do not use special characters (& or #) in address fields. This can cause a print error on the passport booklet.

Step 2: Know your jurisdiction

Three Indian missions serve Canada:

• High Commission of India, Ottawa (hciottawa.gov.in) — Ottawa jurisdiction. Tatkaal not available.
• Consulate General of India, Toronto (cgitoronto.gov.in) — Most of Ontario and nearby provinces. Tatkaal available.
• Consulate General of India, Vancouver (cgivancouver.gov.in) — Western Canada. Tatkaal available.

Select the correct mission when filling the online form. Submitting to the wrong jurisdiction causes delays.

Step 3: Prepare documents

For a standard renewal, you need:

• Printout of the online application form
• Printout of the checklist (from BLS website)
• Current Indian passport (original and photocopy of first and last page)
• Two 2×2 inch photos (one pasted on the form, one loose)
• Copy of valid Canadian status (PR card, work permit, study permit, or visitor record)
• Copy of landing paper or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (mandatory for PRs; if lost, request a "Status of Verification" letter from IRCC as a substitute)
• Copy of proof of Canadian address
• Copy of Indian address proof (for police verification)
• Annexure E (self-declaration)
• Fees (debit card or exact cash in-person; demand draft or money order for postal)

Step 4: Submit to BLS

Either attend an in-person appointment at your nearest BLS centre, or mail the application. All postal applications go to BLS Brampton.

For mail-in: Use Purolator (BLS's integrated courier partner). For payment, include a demand draft or money order payable to "BLS International Services Canada Inc." covering passport fee + consular fee + BLS service charge + return courier. For Toronto postal applications, you can also call BLS to pay by card over the phone. Personal cheques are not accepted.

Step 5: Track and receive

Track your application on the BLS portal using your reference number. The mission issues the new passport; BLS dispatches it by tracked mail. Your old passport is cancelled with a stamp and returned with the new one. Keep it as a permanent reference.

Fees (2026, Verified from BLS Canada)

Service	Total Cost (CAD)
36-page adult passport (renewal)	$105.70
60-page (Jumbo) passport	$139.70
Child passport (under 15)	$72.70
Tatkaal adult passport (full fee)	$307.70
Lost/damaged 36-page replacement	$206.70
BLS service charge (included above)	$1.70
Return courier	Varies by jurisdiction

Payment methods: In-person at BLS centres, payment is by debit card or exact cash. For postal applications, use a demand draft or money order payable to "BLS International Services Canada Inc." For Toronto postal applications, you may also call BLS to pay by card over the phone. Personal cheques are not accepted. Verify current fees at blsindia-canada.com before applying.

Processing Times

• Normal renewal: Approximately 8 weeks
• First-time adult passport: 6 to 10 weeks
• Lost or damaged replacement: 6 to 10 weeks
• Child's passport (born in Canada): 5 to 8 weeks after birth registration
• Tatkaal (emergency): 3 to 7 working days
• Postal applications: Add 3 to 4 working days for courier handling

These timelines exclude courier delivery time. Most delays come from pending Police Verification in India, which BLS and the Consulate cannot control. Providing an accurate Indian address with the correct police station and district is the single most important thing you can do to avoid delays.

Common Rejection Reasons

Photo rejections (most common)

• Using Canadian 50×70mm photos instead of 2×2 inch
• Digital photo not exactly 630×810 pixels
• File size over 250KB
• Wearing glasses (banned since September 2025)
• Background not pure white
• Face coverage below 80%

Application rejections

• Wrong jurisdiction selected
• Special characters in address fields
• Missing Annexure E
• PR applicants missing landing paper / CoPR
• Passport expired more than 3 years ago (triggers fresh police verification)

OCI Applicants: New Rules for 2026

As of April 5, 2026, OCI applications in Canada must be submitted in person at BLS centres because biometrics are now required. OCI applications by mail are no longer accepted.

OCI card photos use different specs from passport photos — they require a 51×51mm square format with a cream background (not white). See our OCI card photo requirements guide for the exact specifications.

What to Do After You Get Your New Passport

Once your renewed passport arrives, update these records with the new passport number:

• OCI card (if held) — re-issue required with new passport details
• PAN card
• Indian bank accounts
• Demat accounts
• Aadhaar (if applicable)
• Canadian visa/PR records (if passport number is linked)

Failing to update your OCI card with the new passport number can cause problems at Indian immigration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What photo size do I need for Indian passport renewal from Canada?

You need two formats: a 630×810 pixel digital photo for the Passport Seva online application, and two 2×2 inch (51×51mm) printed photos for BLS International. The digital photo must be JPEG, under 250KB, with a white background. The prints must be on photo-quality paper.

Is the Indian passport photo the same as the Canadian passport photo?

No. Canadian passport photos are 50×70mm. Indian passport renewal requires 2×2 inch (51×51mm) prints for BLS and a 630×810 pixel digital file for Passport Seva. Using a Canadian passport photo will get your Indian application rejected.

How long does Indian passport renewal take from Canada in 2026?

Normal processing takes approximately 8 weeks for renewals through BLS International, plus 3–4 days for postal handling. First-time adult passports and lost/damaged replacements take 6 to 10 weeks. Tatkaal (expedited) processing takes 3 to 7 working days for genuine emergencies. The total Tatkaal fee is CAD $307.70.

Which agency handles Indian passport services in Canada?

BLS International is the authorized outsourcing partner for Indian passport and consular services in Canada. They handle intake for the High Commission of India in Ottawa and the Consulates General in Toronto and Vancouver. Applications start on the GPSP 2.0 portal at mportal.passportindia.gov.in, then documents are submitted to BLS.

Can I use the same photo for my Indian passport and OCI card in Canada?

No. Indian passport photos use a 630×810 pixel rectangular format for Passport Seva and 2×2 inch prints for BLS. OCI card photos require a 51×51mm square format with a cream background (not white). As of April 2026, OCI applications in Canada must be submitted in person at BLS centres with biometrics.

Last updated: May 2026. Process verified against BLS International Canada (blsindia-canada.com), Passport Seva (passportindia.gov.in), and Consulate General of India, Toronto. Fees and processing times are estimates — confirm current amounts on the BLS website before applying.