Canadian Permanent Resident Photos: 2026 Requirements Guide

Two photos. Identical, not just similar. Both must be snapped within the last six months. The size is 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.

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.

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 face fades out and the photo is rejected. Glasses with even a slight reflection are 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 and the system flags it immediately.

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.