The most crucial thing you need to do when applying for a Canada Permanent Resident Card is to send in a photo that meets the requirements. For digital purposes, the standard size for the photo is 5x7 cm (or 715x1000 pixels - 2000x2800 pixels). An application with a photo that doesn't meet the requirements could be delayed or even turned down. We make it easier to take a photo for a Canada Permanent Resident Card that meets all the requirements at PhotoGov. We will automatically resize, crop, and optimize your selfie or high-quality photo according to the official guidelines so that you can submit it digitally or physically.
Your photo will automatically be resized to 5x7 cm (or 715x1000–2000x2800 pixels for digital formats)
This gets rid of shadows and makes sure the background is pure white or light-colored
Changes the brightness, contrast, and sharpness to get professional-looking results
You can get files that are ready to be submitted in both digital and print formats
Meets all the official standards for photos on a Canada Permanent Resident Card
Your Canada Permanent Resident Card photo must meet both technical and visual standards in order to be accepted.
Size | 5 x 7 cm (50 x 70 mm) |
Resolution | At least 300 DPI (715x1000 pixels for digital forms and 2000x2800 pixels for print formats) |
File Size | For digital submissions, the file size is usually less than 1 MB |
Color of the Background | White or light-colored (simple, with no patterns or shadows) |
Printable | Yes |
Submission in Digital | Canada's immigration services accept internet applications |
*Data from government agencies
Requirement for Aspect
Neutral: mouth closed, no smile or frown
Open, plainly visible
Centered and looking straight ahead
Should take up 70–80% of the height of the picture
Prefer dark solid hues; stay away from white tops
Not allowed unless it's for medical reasons
Allowed for religious or medical reasons; the face must be fully visible
The lighting should be even, with no shadows or reflections on the face or background
Below are examples of correct and incorrect photos
Choose the Type of Document
On PhotoGov.net, look for the document called "Canada Permanent Resident Card – 5x7 cm"
Get Your Picture
Use a smartphone or digital camera that works well. Stand 1.5 to 2 meters away from a white or light-colored background. Make sure the lighting is gentle and even
Put your picture up
Send your picture to PhotoGov. Make sure the lighting is even and your face is easy to see
Resize and optimize automatically
Our platform will cut your picture down to the exact size of 5x7 cm (715x1000 to 2000x2800 pixels for digital formats) and make it look better
Get it and send it in
Download your final file, which is ready to be sent in, or print it off to hand in in person
Lighting: To keep shadows from forming, use natural light or moderate artificial light
Background: Stand in front of a wall that is plain white or light-colored. Stay away from patterns and textures
Positioning: Make sure your face is in the middle and facing straight forward. The head should fill about 70–80% of the height of the picture
Wear dark, solid-colored garments to stand out against the background. Don't wear white tops
If you don’t want to go through the trouble and expense of locating and hiring a professional photographer to take your picture, you can simply take your own from home. So long as you follow the below instructions carefully, you can capture the perfect employment authorization photo yourself:
Open up the PhotoGov.net photo service and take your picture. Make sure you’re not wearing any headcovers or glasses, do not wear a uniform, and keep your expression neutral. Ensure that the area is well-lit and that you are standing against a neutral background.
Watch "How to take a photo" (00:46)
Next, upload your image and process it through our site.
Finally, you can download your ID photo. These images can be printed off, or you can simply use them as digital photos.
Using a passport-sized photo instead of the appropriate 5x7 cm (50x70 mm) size
Wearing glasses or hats that cover your face (unless you have to for medical or religious reasons)
Photos that are low resolution, fuzzy, or too bright
Background with patterns, shadows, or things
Smiling or moving your head
During photo processing, PhotoGov will automatically find and fix these problems
No Retouching: Don't use filters or editing programs that change how your face looks
Sharpness: Make sure the picture is crisp and not pixelated or blurry
Face Coverage: Your face should take up 70–80% of the height of the picture
File Format and Size: JPEG or PNG, less than 1 MB for digital submission
When taking pictures of babies and children for employment authorization, many of the same rules apply; for example, they must still adhere to the dress code, and the photograph must be high-quality and well-lit. With that being said, the State Department is generally more forgiving when it comes to the neutral expression requirement.
For slightly older babies:
For Sending by Mail: Make sure your photo is exactly 5x7 cm (50x70 mm) and print it on high-quality matte or glossy photo paper
To submit digitally, upload your photo to the right portal or consular system. Make sure the file is the right size and resolution
How big should the picture on my Canada Permanent Resident Card be?
Is it okay to take my picture with a smartphone?
Is it okay to wear spectacles in the picture?
How new does the picture need to be?
What happens if my picture is turned down?
Is it okay to use my Canada Permanent Resident Card photo on other papers?
Other documents for the Canada
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