Canada Permanent Resident Card Photo (50 x 70 mm): size and requirements
The Canada Permanent Resident Card Photo size is 50 x 70 mm (1.97 x 2.76 inches), or 1000 x 1400 pixels for online upload (minimum 715 x 1000, maximum 2000 x 2800), file under 4 MB. Plain, untextured and white background with a clear difference between the person's face and the background; head 44 to 52 percent of the photo height. Photo taken within the last 12 months. Last verified 2026-10-07 against Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
For the photos sent with a permanent resident card application, renewal or replacement (IMM 5444, guide 5445): two 50 x 70 mm prints for a paper application, or one digital photo plus an image of its back (or the studio receipt) uploaded in the Permanent Residence Portal. Not for a visitor visa, which is 35 x 45 mm, and not for a passport, which uses the same size but a different back-of-photo stamp.
Have the photos taken by a commercial photographer or photo studio, who must write or stamp the studio name, address and date on the back of one photo. See all Canada documents.
Requirements at a glance
- Size
- 50 x 70 mm (1.97 x 2.76 inches), or 1000 x 1400 pixels for online upload (minimum 715 x 1000, maximum 2000 x 2800), file under 4 MB
- Head height
- Head 44 to 52 percent of the photo height (the height of the face measures between 31 mm and 36 mm (1 1/4 inches and 1 7/16 inches) from chin to crown of head)
- Background
- plain, untextured and white background with a clear difference between the person's face and the background
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open, looking at the camera
- Glasses
- Allowed without glare or tint
- Head covering
- Only for religious or medical reasons; full face visible
- Photo age
- Taken within the last 12 months
- Prints needed
- 2
- We deliver
- 1000 x 1400 px (300 DPI), under 4096 KB, plus a 4 x 6 inch print sheet
What trips people up
- CheckThe PR card photo is 50 x 70 mm like the passport, not 35 x 45 mm like the visa. Many photo apps list Canada as 35 x 45 only.
- CheckIRCC's specification sheet says the photos must be taken by a commercial photographer, and the back of one photo must carry the studio's name and full address, the date, and your name and date of birth, stamped or handwritten. Stick-on labels are refused.
- CheckPaper applications need two identical prints. Online applications upload one photo plus an image of its back; for a digital original the back-of-photo details can be a separate document such as the studio's receipt, uploaded as 'Upload your photo (back)'.
- CheckThe online upload must be a JPEG or PNG between 715 x 1000 and 2000 x 2800 pixels and 4 MB or less, either a professional digital photo or a scan of the professional print. A phone picture of a paper photo is refused, and 'background is not white' is a listed reason for returning the photo.
- CheckThe age limit is 12 months here, not the 6 months used for passports and citizenship.
- CheckPhotos must be identical, original and unaltered; a photo taken from an existing photo is not accepted.
Known portal issues
- Note
Photos processed by online photo web services are not acceptable
Take the file to a photo lab counter (many pharmacies and camera shops have one) rather than a self-service kiosk. Read the fix
Source and verification
Read from the official page. Last checked 2026-10-07 at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
taken by a commercial photographer;
50 mm x 70 mm (2 inches wide x 2 3/4 inches long) and sized so the height of the face measures between 31 mm and 36 mm (1 1/4 inches and 1 7/16 inches) from chin to crown of head (natural top of head);
Photographs must reflect your current appearance (taken within the past twelve (12) months).
contain the name and date of birth of the subject, as well as the name and complete address of the photography studio;
You must provide identical and unaltered photographs.
taken in front of a plain, untextured and white background with a clear difference between the person's face and the background.
measurements must be between 715x1000 and 2000x2800 pixels;
file size must 4MB or less;
upload 1 photo taken within 12 months of the date you apply and include images of the front and back of the photo.
Glasses: eyes clearly visible behind the glasses, with no glare on the lenses
Head covering: allowed if worn daily for religious or medical reasons, but your face, including around your ears, background and shoulders, must be clearly visible and not cast shadows or distort the image
We are an independent service, not a government website. Applying for a passport or visa is done with your government; we only prepare the photo.
Frequently asked questions
