PR Card Photo Requirements: Сomplete 2026 Guide, Expert-Verified

A PR card photo is a vital part of a Canadian permanent resident application. If your photo doesn’t meet the official PR card photo requirements for size (50 x 70 mm, or 715 × 1000/2000 × 2800 pixels), head-centered framing (face size 31-36 mm), plain white background, and other essential parameters, your application may be delayed or rejected. 

This Comprehensive 2026 Guide covers all official specifications for permanent residency card photos — check them, and use our convenient passport photo maker to create a 100% technically compliant, application-ready image.

14 Essential Canada PR Card Photo Requirements: Checklist

The official requirements for a Canadian permanent resident card photo are set by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Based on the guidelines for biometric photos defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Document 9303, they cover all key points listed in a checklist below.  

NOTE: A

pplicants do not need to provide a guarantor’s confirmation when they submit photos for the permanent residence card

, in accordance with the requirements of 

 (IRCC).

: 

Submitted photos must not be altered or have any digital technical corrections

Important for All PR Card Submissions: Studio’s Confirmation

Only studio-signed photographs are accepted with the PR card photo applications. The back of one photo must include the applicant’s name, date of birth, the date the photo was taken, and the name and complete address of the photography studio. 

Stick-on labels are not accepted; information must be handwritten or stamped directly on the back of the photo for paper applications. 

Additionally, it is recommended to keep and provide a receipt from the photo shop upon submission. 

With online submissions

, an applicant must include a receipt from a photo studio and, as a separate letter, provide the information that is usually signed on the back of a photograph: the name of the applicant, their date of birth, the date when the photo was taken, and the name and complete address of the photo studio. 

Do I Need a Guarantor for My Permanent Resident Photos?

No. You don't need a guarantor for your PR photos.

However, the photo must include the information about the applicant and the studio

:

If you're submitting a scan of a professional photograph

, the back of it must have the following information: the applicant's name and date of birth, and the studio's name and address. Also include a receipt from the studio.

If you're submitting a digital photo

,

 you need to include a confirmation letter with the following information: the applicant's name and date of birth, the studio's name, and address. Also include a receipt from the studio.

Double-check that you've included the required information before applying.

Digital vs Paper Photo for a Permanent Residency Card

You must apply online 

with high-resolution digital photos 

sized 715 × 1000/2000 × 2800 pixels, saved in JPG or PNG format, of a maximum of 4 MB. The images must be original and not altered in any way.

For applicants unable to apply online via the IRCC official portal, an in-person option with paper photos, large font, or submission in Braille is available

. Fill out the 

 and follow the instructions. 

Paper photos 

must be professionally printed on matte or glossy photographic paper, be sharp, pixelation-free, and represent natural colours. Only photos sized 50x70 mm are accepted, without frames or any decorative elements. 

What to Keep in Mind When Applying for Сanadian PR

If you’re about to become a permanent resident of Canada, follow the official government guidelines for the application process. Here are the key points to keep in mind — from fees and processing times to photo and address submission requirements.

Fees

The application fee is $50 CAD. Your first PR card is free if you submit your photo and Canadian mailing address within 180 days of becoming a permanent resident.

Processing times

It usually takes about 61 days to receive a new PR card and around 30 days for a renewal. Urgent processing may be available in certain cases, but the minimum turnaround time is three weeks, and delivery times cannot be guaranteed.

First PR card

Most new permanent residents don’t need to apply. If you provide your address and photo within 180 days, the Government of Canada automatically issues your first PR card. You can submit your address online or through the Immigration and Citizenship Permanent Resident Card Page.

Photo note

If your uploaded photo does not meet official specifications, IRCC will contact you to provide a new one. Always review the PR card photo requirements before submission.

PR Card Renewal Photo Requirements

Renewing your Canadian Permanent Resident Card requires photos that meet the IRCC PR card photo requirements. To renew your PR card:

• Submit 1 digital photo through the Immigration and Citizenship Permanent Resident Card Page, select “Renew an existing PR card,” “Update information on my card,” or “Replace a lost, stolen or damaged PR card.”
• Upload a JPEG or PNG file between 715 × 1000 and 2000 × 2800 pixels, maximum 4 MB. 
• The photo must be taken within the last 12 months. 
• You may submit a professional digital file or a scanned copy of a printed professional photo—IRCC does not accept photos of paper photos taken with phones or cameras.

Technical Standards: General PR card renewal photo requirements include a plain white background, neutral expression with eyes open and mouth closed, no tinted glasses or sunglasses, and head coverings only for religious or medical reasons with full face visibility.

Permanent Resident Card Photo Requirements for Children

All key IRCC standards for children’s PR card photos match the adult rules: the image must be 50 × 70 mm, with a plain white background and soft, even lighting. The baby’s face must be fully visible and free of shadows, with no hands or other objects in the frame. 

Natural expressions are acceptable for newborns — they do not need to maintain a perfectly neutral look. For very young babies, you may take the photo while they are in an infant chair or car seat, as long as it is covered with a smooth white blanket so the background remains completely uniform.

Where to Take a Photo for a Canada PR Card

You can take a Canada PR card photo at a range of everyday services — local studios, pharmacies, and retail chains. Typical options include:

• Commercial photo studios

   specializing in Canadian passport and PR photos

• Pharmacy chains

  with in‑store photo counters — Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, or London Drugs

• Big retail stores

   with photo centres — Walmart Photo Centre or Costco Photo Centre

• Shipping shops

   that offer Canadian PR photos, such as UPS.

You can skip in‑person services and take your Canada PR card photo with PhotoGov at home. Our online passport photo maker adjusts your image to the IRCC requirements for size, crop, and background, so you simply need to print the file at any convenient photo lab or pharmacy.

Canada PR Card Photo Services: Comparison

Acceptable Canada PR Photos Examples

Unacceptable Canada PR Photos Examples

Where to Print PR Card Photos

PR card photos can be printed in the commercial studio or a store that offers professional passport photo printing services. Keep in mind that the in-person submitted PR photos can only be printed on professional photographic paper, matte or glossy. Photographs printed on home printers aren't accepted. The back of a photo must contain the following information to be accepted:

1. The applicant's name
2. The applicant's date of birth
3. The studio's name
4. The studio's address.

The PR card photo doesn't need to be signed by you or a guarantor.

Common Reasons for a PR Card Photo Rejection

The IRCC applies strict requirements for permanent resident photographs. Even the slightest fluctuations may result in a rejection or a request to resubmit your application photos. The 5 most common reasons for rejection are:

1. Incorrect sizing: digital photos for online submissions aren’t sized 715 × 1000/2000 × 2800 pixels; printed pictures for in-person submissions aren’t sized 50x70 mm.
2. Wrong positioning: head and shoulders aren’t positioned square into the camera; head is tilted; face is not sized within the 31-36 mm range.
3. Non-white, distorted background: grey, off-white, beige background that is not plain and free from shadows, textures, or patterns.
4. Non-neutral facial expression: smiling, frowning, or showing any other exaggerated expressions.
5. Obstructed facial features: headwear or accessories that block the face or the hairline.
6. Digital alterations: digitally corrected red-eye effect, colour and size corrections, mole or imperfection removals.
7. Absence of a studio’s signature: a plain photo, unsigned, without a studio’s receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Canada PR Card Photo Specifications?

PR card photos must be 715 × 1000/2000 × 2800 pixels or 50 × 70 mm (2 × 2¾ inches) with a white background and neutral facial expression. The image must be sharp, evenly lit, and free of shadows or glare. 

Hats or head coverings are allowed only for religious or medical reasons, and sunglasses or tinted lenses aren’t permitted. 

For most PR card applications, you’ll need to provide two identical photos, each taken within the last 12 months. 

For online applications, your digital photos must be in JPEG or PNG format, with a file size no larger than 4 MB. These digital images should be clear, sharp, and meet all the technical standards set by IRCC.

Does a Photo Studio Need to Sign My PR Card Photo?

Yes. The studio must sign the photo/-s, or you will get the application rejected. If you’re submitting a scanned or digital photo, it must include the applicant’s full name, date of birth, and the photo studio’s name and address. A receipt or confirmation letter from the studio must also be provided to verify that the photo was professionally taken.

Where to Take a PR Card Photo Near Me?

You can get a PR card photo taken at any professional photo studio or passport photo service across Canada. Most Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, and Walmart Photo Centres offer PR card-compliant photos. Make sure to tell the photographer that the photo is for a Canadian permanent resident card (50 × 70 mm) so they follow the official IRCC specifications.

What is PR Card Photo Size?

A Canadian PR card photo must be 50 × 70 mm (2 × 2¾ inches). The height of the face — from chin to crown — must be 31 to 36 mm (1¼ to 1 7⁄16 inches). Photos that don’t meet these exact dimensions will be rejected by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Can I Wear Glasses in My PR Card Photo?

Yes. You can wear glasses in your permanent card photos. Keep your eyes open. Look directly into the camera. No shadows or glare can obscure your eyes. Sunglasses or any tinted glasses are not allowed.

What Colour is the Background for the Canadian Permanent Resident Card Photo?

The background on your PR photos has to be white or off-white, without patterns, textures, or shadows.

Can I Wear White Clothing in a PR Card Photo?

No. The IRCC strongly recommends not wearing white clothes or headwear (if worn for religious reasons) on the permanent resident card photos, as it can blend with the background and cast shadows.

Can I Wear Religious Attire in My Permanent Resident Photos?

Yes. Religious head coverings or attire are allowed, as long as your full face and the outline of your head and shoulders remain clearly visible. You may wear headwear or coverings that are worn daily for religious or medical reasons, provided they do not cast shadows or obscure any facial features. The covering must not cast shadows or obscure any facial features.

I Just Had Facial or Eye Surgery. Can I Still Take a PR card photo?

Yes. You can, but you’ll need to include a signed medical certificate explaining the details of your surgery and confirming the details of your surgery. This document helps IRCC verify your identity during the application process.

Can I Take My Canada PR Card Photo at Home With My Phone?

The IRCC requires PR card photos to be taken and prepared by a commercial photographer or photo studio, following its official specifications for size, lighting, background, and print quality. You can also use your phone to scan a professionally taken photo, as long as you use a proper scanner, scanning app, or similar tool and the final digital file meets IRCC’s technical requirements (format, resolution, and file size).

PhotoGov.net strictly adheres to theGlobal regulations for ID photos. 

Other Pages — Canada ID Photos

Official Government Documentation Sources

IRCC PR Card Photo Requirements: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Apply for a PR Card Online: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Official Document Checklist for Permanent Residency Card or Travel Document: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Complete Official Guide on the Application Process: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Biometric Regulations for International ID Documents: International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Document 9303

The Government of Canada accepts PR card photos taken by a professional photographer or a commercial studio. A professionally scanned digital copy of a studio-taken photo may be accepted. PR card photos must be printed professionally on photo paper.