OFFICIAL CONSULAR SPECIFICATION● PHOTO REQUIREMENTS GUIDEPR Card Photo Requirements: Online and Paper Applications (Canada)
The photo for a Canadian permanent resident card: 715×1000 to 2000×2800 pixels and 4 MB online, or two 50×70 mm prints by mail, from a commercial photographer.
Try the assessment first. Paid downloads include a clean JPEG and print-ready sheet; review the package price before checkout. Read IRCC’s photo page.
A PR card application, whether it is your first card, a renewal or a replacement, needs a photo taken by a commercial photographer or studio within the last 12 months. Online, you upload one digital photo of 715×1000 to 2000×2800 pixels, in .jpeg or .jpg, 4 MB or less. On paper, you send two identical prints, 50 mm wide by 70 mm high. IRCC lists the most common reasons PR card photos are returned: too dark, a background that is not white, facial features not visible, too much glare, and a file outside the pixel or size limits.
Who this guide is for
Permanent residents applying for, renewing or replacing a PR card online or by mail, and anyone whose PR card photo was returned.
Key Biometric Specifications
Preparing the photo
Practical preparation tips; use the linked application instructions for requirements.
- Book a commercial photographer or studio and tell them it is for a Canadian PR card, online or paper.
- For an online application, ask for the digital file at a size between 715×1000 and 2000×2800 pixels, in JPEG, under 4 MB. Keep the studio’s name, address and the date the photo was taken.
- Before uploading, check the file’s pixel size and file size. Our free IRCC photo checker reads them on your device without changing the photo.
- For a paper application, check both prints are identical, 50×70 mm, and write the required details on the back of one photo in pen.
Mandatory Consular Rules
- Taken by a commercial photographer or studio, no more than 12 months before you apply.
- Online: one photo, 715×1000 to 2000×2800 pixels, .jpeg or .jpg, 4 MB or less, colour or black and white.
- Paper: two identical photos, 50 mm wide by 70 mm high, chin to crown 31–36 mm. The back of one photo carries your name and date of birth, the studio’s name and address, and the date taken. Stick-on labels are not accepted.
- Plain, untextured white background. Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open, looking directly at the camera.
- Glasses only with your eyes clearly visible and no glare. Head coverings worn daily for religious or medical reasons are allowed if your face, ears and shoulders stay visible.
- No altered photos: IRCC counts any change to colour, brightness or cropping, or removing wrinkles or glare, as altered.
Troubleshooting the photo
“Photo too dark” or “glare”
Uneven studio lighting or reflections on skin and glasses.
Ask the studio to retake it with even light. Do not brighten or retouch the file yourself: that makes it an altered photo.
“Background not white”
Grey or cream studio backdrops pass for some documents but not the PR card.
Ask for a plain, untextured white background.
Upload refused or photo returned for size
The file is smaller than 715×1000, larger than 2000×2800, or over 4 MB.
Ask the studio for a file inside the range. Cropping or resizing it yourself counts as altering the photo.
Top Rejection Pitfalls to Avoid
- The photo is too dark.
- The background is not white.
- Facial features are hidden by hair, shadow or a head covering.
- Glare on the face or glasses.
- The file is outside 715×1000 to 2000×2800 pixels or larger than 4 MB.
Canada photo requirements and document options
Digital and printed copies
Online applications take one digital file within the pixel and size limits. Paper applications take two identical 50×70 mm prints with details on the back of one. The two routes are not interchangeable: do not scan a print taken for another document, and do not photograph a print with your phone.
Questions about this guide
What size is a PR card photo?
Online: between 715×1000 and 2000×2800 pixels, JPEG, 4 MB or less. On paper: 50 mm wide by 70 mm high, with the face 31–36 mm from chin to crown.
Can I take my PR card photo at home?
No. IRCC asks for a photo taken by a commercial photographer or studio.
How old can my PR card photo be?
No more than 12 months old when you apply.
Why was my PR card photo rejected?
The reasons IRCC lists are a dark photo, a background that is not white, hidden facial features, glare, and a file outside the pixel or size limits. Get a new photo from a studio rather than editing the old one.
Can I wear glasses in my PR card photo?
Yes, if your eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare on the lenses.
About this guide
ApprovaVisa editorial team
Reviewed: 30 October 2026
Requirements come from the linked authority source. Where our summary and the authority differ, follow the authority.
Prepare Your Canada Photo
Check the receiving authority’s instructions before preparing a photo. Use professional photography where required, and retain the original image when digital alterations are prohibited.
Try the assessment first. Paid downloads include a clean JPEG and print-ready sheet; review the package price before checkout. Read IRCC’s photo page.