Canada PR Card Photo Requirements
We don't make PR card photos
IRCC requires PR card photos — paper and online — to be taken by a commercial photographer or studio, so we don't sell them.
Source: canada.ca — Permanent resident photosPermanent resident card photos have their own IRCC specification. It differs from Canadian passport photos in one important way: the photo can be up to 12 months old. The requirements also differ depending on whether you apply on paper or online.
The official rules, in plain English
Paper applications
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Two identical photos, 50 mm wide by 70 mm high (2 × 2¾ in). Head from chin to crown between 31 mm and 36 mm. Plain, untextured white background. On the back of one photo: your name and date of birth, the photo studio’s name and full address, and the date the photo was taken.
Online applications
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One digital photo in JPEG format, between 715×1000 and 2000×2800 pixels, 4 MB or smaller. Upload the digital file from your photographer, or scan the printed studio photo with a scanner or scanner app. IRCC does not accept a phone or camera picture of a printed photo.
Pose and appearance
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Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and looking straight at the camera. Face and shoulders centred and square to the camera. Taken no more than 12 months before you apply, and it must look like you today.
Glasses and head coverings
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Glasses are allowed if your eyes are clearly visible with no glare on the lenses. Head coverings are allowed only if worn daily for religious or medical reasons, with your full face visible.
A commercial photographer is required
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IRCC requires PR card photos — paper and online — to be taken by a commercial photographer or photo studio. A photo you take yourself at home will not be accepted, so use this page to check what to ask your photographer for.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Canadian PR card photo?
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50 × 70 mm, with the head between 31 and 36 mm from chin to crown.
How old can my PR card photo be?
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Up to 12 months old at the time you apply.
What are the digital photo specs for an online PR card application?
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JPEG, between 715×1000 and 2000×2800 pixels, no larger than 4 MB.
Can I wear glasses in my PR card photo?
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Yes, if your eyes are clearly visible and there’s no glare on the lenses.
Can I take my PR card photo myself?
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No. IRCC requires PR card photos to be taken by a commercial photographer or studio, for both paper and online applications.