When you are filing out your Canada PR application, you need to upload your digitally scanned photograph in the required format. The Canada PR photo has to be in the correct format or IRCC may reject the application. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) very carefully scrutinizes a Canada PR photo, and hence, it becomes very important for you to meet the requirements.
Download Free Immigration and PR Guide PDF
Canada PR Photo Specifications
As the Canada PR applicant, follow the below provided instructions:
- In most cases, you will need to provide a photo for each person on your application. However, it is recommended that you read your application guide carefully to ensure you are uploading the correct number of photographs.
- The photograph you are uploading could be in black and white or coloured.
- The photo has to be original and not altered in any way. Altering photos means it has been edited to change the contrast, brightness or change the applicant’s facial characteristics. This also means that one cannot get their features edited, blemishes hidden, change the colour of their clothes, etc.
- You cannot take a photo of an existing photo and upload it.
- The photos you will upload, must be identical.
- The Canada PR photos must be taken within the last 12 months.
- You must get the photograph taken by a commercial photographer.
Photo specifications for the photographer:
- The photo must be clear and sharp.
- The lighting around the photo must be uniform, and not focusing on a single spot as to cause glare. There must not be reflections or flashes.
- Background of the photo must be plain white and not textured. There should be a clear difference between the photo’s background and the applicant’s face.
- The applicant must not be smiling in the photo, or have their mouth open. The face needs to be clearly visible.
- The face of the applicant must be straight. There should be a full front view of the head and shoulders focusing the camera.
- Here are the measurements of the photo:
50 mm x 70 mm (2 inches wide x 2 3/4 inches long)
- The head must measure between 31 mm and 36 mm (1 1/4 inches and 1 7/16 inches) in the photograph.
Back of Canada PR Photo
Any one of the photo’s back must include:
- Name and date of birth of the person whose photo it is.
- The date when the photo was taken.
- Name and address of the photographer’s studio. The photographer can use a stamp to provide this information or they may write it themselves, but they cannot use a stick-on label.
- In case of digital photos, the applicant must submit a separate document. In the document, the photographer may provide a receipt given by the photographer to show the photos were taken by a commercial photographer.
Specifications for Digital Photographs
- The photos must be in JPEG or PNG format.
- The file size must be 4 MB or less.
- Required measurements are: 715×1000 and 2000×2800 pixels.
- The photo must be scanned by a professional. You must not scan the photo with a digital camera or even your phone.
Other Details to Keep in Mind
- For a Canada PR photo, you may wear your glasses but they must not produce any glare, and your eyes must remain clearly visible.
- You cannot wear sunglasses or tinted eye glasses in the photo.
- Unless you wear head coverings or hats every day for religious beliefs or medical conditions, you must not wear them in your photo. Even if you are wearing a head cover, the face has to be visible. There must not be any shadows because of the covering or hat.
- You can keep your hair down.
- The photo must not have any red-eye effect or red eye alterations.
- For applicant’s in a wheelchair, they may place a white blanket behind their head. This will help the facial features become clearly visible in the photo.
- If you need to wear headwear or a nasal cannula for medical reasons, you may wear it in the photo. Just make sure to provide a signed explanation with the PR application. IRCC may ask you to provide a letter from your doctor for the same.
Canada PR: Child Photo Requirements
Though the rules remain the same as above, there are some other requirements too when you are uploading a child’s photo.
- The head and shoulders of the child must be in the photo. Either the child’s hands or the parent’s must not be in the photographs.
- If the child is a newborn, they might be sitting in a car seat but behind their head, there must be a white blanket. There should not be shadow on the face/shoulders or even around the ears. The photo must be free of shadows.
- Since it’s not easy to take a newborn’s photo with a neutral expression, IRCC may allow some minor variations.
Should you upload the back of the photo?
Yes, you must scan and upload the back of the photo.
Is the date necessary on the Canada PR photo?
Yes, you must include the date when the photo was taken. Moreover, your name and date of birth, along with the photo studio’s name and address must be on the back.
Where are the Canada PR photos uploaded?
You must sign in to the Canada PR portal or your IRCC account to begin your PR application. If you are applying for permanent residency through the Express Entry, do it through the IRCC account. In case you are immigrating to Canada through other programs, applying for a citizenship certificate, or applying for a work permit or study permit, etc, do so through the PR portal.
How can TCWW help
Talent Connected Worldwide is a CICC-licensed, award-winning, and 15 years experienced immigration consultancy. We have qualified and verified consultants who can help out in your journey to get Canada PR.
Registering with us means you get the support of professionals who assist you from start to finish. We’ll help you choose the right immigration program, prepare the documents, fill out the forms for you and get the Canada PR photo taken correctly.
Choose us, choose success.
Remember to fill out the form below for some insights and advice from our experts!
