Permanent resident photos

Use this guide if you are:

Need help uploading your PR card photo?

Get help uploading your photo in the Permanent Residence Portal.

Photo specifications

Print the permanent resident photo specifications for you or your photographer (PDF, 0.3 MB).

Image described below

Keep in mind:

The back of one photo must include:

The photographer may use a stamp or handwrite this information. Stick-on labels are unacceptable.

For digital photos, this information can be provided in one separate document including a confirmation from the photo studio (i.e. receipt).

Additional details for digital photos:

The photograph must be:

The photographer may use a stamp or handwrite this information. Stick-on labels are unacceptable.

Extra details

Child photos

Your application will be rejected if your photos do not meet these specifications.

Medical considerations

Wheelchairs:

If you are in a wheelchair, we recommend that a plain white blanket placed over the wheelchair behind the applicant's head so that your facial features and the edges of your face are clearly visible.

Headwear or nasal cannula:

When required for medical reasons, you can wear headwear or a nasal cannula in your permanent resident photo – as long as your eyes remain clearly visible. We recommend that you include a signed explanation with your application. We may request that you submit a letter from your doctor.

Acceptable permanent resident photos

These photos do not represent the actual size of a permanent resident photo.

Example of a photo - uniform lighting

Uniform lighting

Example of a photo - height of face correct

Height of face correct

Example of a photo - correct child pose

Correct child pose

Unacceptable permanent resident photos

Here are a few unacceptable permanent resident photos so you know what to look for before you submit your application.

Example of a photo - no contrast

No contrast

Example of a photo - shadow behing ears

Shadow behind ears

Example of a photo - hands in picture

Hands in picture

Example of a photo - reflection on glasses

Reflection on glasses

Example of a photo - Face not square to camera

Face not square to camera

Example of a photo - facial features not clearly visible

Facial features not clearly visible

Example of a photo - mouth open

Mouth open

Example of a photo - smiling

Smiling

Example of a photo - tinted eye glasses cannot be worn

Tinted eye glasses cannot be worn

Example of a photo - wrong format

Wrong format

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