Permanent Resident Photos: 2025 Guide
Your comprehensive 2025 guide by Photo Jovial, Montreal, covering all Canadian permanent resident photo requirements, criteria, regulations, and common mistakes to avoid for a successful PR card application.
At Photo Jovial, Jean Talon, Montreal, two decades of experience have revealed one constant: Canadian permanent resident photo requirements are rigid, precise, and absolutely non-negotiable. The PR card photo is not a mere formality—it's a linchpin in your application. A shadow, a slight smile, a missing stamp, and the process grinds to a halt. The rules? Unforgiving. The process? Demanding. But with the right approach, your PR photo can be a non-issue.
PR Photo Criteria: The Essentials
Two photos. Identical, not just similar. Both must be snapped within the last six months. The size? 50 mm wide by 70 mm high—no leeway. The face, from chin to crown, must measure between 31 mm and 36 mm. Too much or too little? Application rejected. The background must be plain white, no shadows, no gradients, no patterns. Just clarity and contrast.
Photos must be sharp, in focus, and show natural skin tone. No digital retouching—no filters, no airbrushing, no enhancements. Colour or black and white, both are accepted. The lighting must be even, avoiding glare, harsh highlights, or deep shadows. Shoulders and face must be centered and squared to the camera, head straight, not tilted.
Canadian Permanent Resident Photo Regulations: How to Look
Expression: Neutral. No smiling, no frowning. Eyes open, mouth closed. Think calm, not stern.
Head Position: Face the camera head-on, not a degree off-center. Shoulders squared, posture natural.
Glasses: No tinted lenses. Prescription glasses are allowed if there's no glare and the eyes are fully visible. Sunglasses are not permitted.
Head Coverings: Only for religious or medical reasons, with documentation. The face must be fully visible, no shadows cast by the covering.
Clothing: Avoid white tops—contrast matters. Choose dark, solid clothing so your face stands out against the background.
Accessories: No hats, headbands, or jewelry that obscure facial features. Hair should not cover the eyes or eyebrows.
Photo Specification: Details That Matter
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Photo Size | 50 mm x 70 mm (2" x 2¾") |
| Face Size | 31–36 mm (1¼"–1⁷⁄₁₆") from chin to crown |
| Background | Plain white; no shadows, no patterns |
| Number of Photos | Two, identical, unaltered |
| Recency | Taken within the last six months |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open |
| Glasses | No tinted lenses; prescription only if eyes fully visible |
| Head Coverings | Religious/medical only, with documentation |
| Photo Quality | Sharp, clear, no digital alteration |
| Digital Photo Size | 1200 x 1680 pixels (online submission), JPEG format |
| Photographer Info | Name, address, date on back of one printed photo |
| Guarantor (if needed) | Signature and statement on back of one photo |
Permanent Resident Picture Rules: Real-World Lessons from Photo Jovial
A client once submitted photos with a faint shadow behind the head—result: application delayed. Another wore a white shirt against a white background. The effect? Face faded, photo rejected. Glasses with a slight reflection? Not accepted. At Photo Jovial, staff recommend darker clothing for contrast and always double-check for shadows, glare, and correct sizing.
A frequent error: digital photos that are too small or have the wrong proportions. For online PR card applications, the digital photo must be 1200 x 1680 pixels, head height 50% of the image, and in JPEG format. Too bright, too dark, or pixelated? The system will flag it immediately.
Examples: Acceptable vs. Unacceptable Photos
Neutral expression, plain white background, no glasses glare, face centered, sharp and clear.
Wearing glasses, hair covering eyes, incorrect positioning, and improper contrast.
Why Photo Jovial?
Photo Jovial's team has mastered the Canadian permanent resident photo regulations. Each photo is checked for precision—size, lighting, background, and clarity. Printed photos are stamped with the studio's name, address, and date, as required. If you're unsure, staff guide you through every step, ensuring your PR card photos meet every requirement the first time.
Official Resources
For the most current Canadian permanent resident photo requirements, always refer to the Government of Canada's official PR card photo page, digital photo specification PDF, and additional PR card photo guidelines.
Pro Tips
- 1Submit two identical 50x70mm printed photos, or a 1200x1680 pixel digital photo for online applications.
- 2Use a plain white background, free of shadows and patterns.
- 3Maintain a neutral facial expression, eyes open, mouth closed, face directly to the camera.
- 4Avoid tinted glasses and head coverings unless medically or religiously necessary (with documentation).
- 5Photos must be taken within the last six months and unaltered.
- 6One printed photo must have the photographer's name, address, and date on the back.
- 7Always verify requirements on the official Government of Canada PR card website.
