Canada Permanent Resident Photo Requirements

Official 2026 specifications · Instant compliant photo

📐 50×70mm · 2.0"×2.8"🖥 2000×2800px🎨 white background

Photo Specifications

Official requirements for Canada

Photo Size

50 × 70 mm · 1.97" × 2.76"

Digital Dimensions

2000 × 2800 px

Resolution: 600 DPI

Background Color

white

Plain, no patterns, shadows, or gradients

File Format

JPEG

Print Paper

glossy photo paper

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This photo must comply with ICAO biometric standards. See full photo rules →

Common reasons photos get rejected — see the full guide →

Requirements

Size & Dimensions

The Canada Permanent Resident photo must be exactly 50x70mm (2.0x2.8 inch). The digital image must be 2000x2800 pixels at 600 DPI. The face must be centred with the head occupying the majority of the frame.

Background

A plain white background is required. There must be no shadows, patterns, or objects behind the subject. Stand at least 2 feet from the background to avoid shadows.

Expression & Pose

Face the camera directly. Neutral expression with mouth closed. Both eyes open and clearly visible, looking directly at the lens. No head tilt. Full face must be visible.

Glasses & Accessories

Glasses are not permitted. Remove all eyewear before taking the photo. Head coverings are only permitted for religious or medical reasons with full face visible. No headphones or wireless devices visible.

Print Quality

Must be printed on high-quality photo paper. Standard inkjet or laser printer paper is not acceptable. Image must be sharp and free from pixelation, red-eye, or retouching.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Incorrect Background

The background must be plain white. Using the wrong background colour is the most common rejection reason for Canada Permanent Resident photos. Our tool automatically applies the correct white background.

Shadows on Face or Background

Overhead lights cast shadows under the nose and chin. Stand at least 2 feet from the wall and use window light to eliminate shadows from both face and background.

Wearing Glasses

Glasses are banned in Canada Permanent Resident photos. Remove all eyewear — no exceptions unless you have a signed medical statement from a licensed doctor.

Head Too Small in Frame

The face must occupy the correct proportion of the photo. Many home photos have the subject too far from the camera resulting in a head that is too small and gets rejected.

Wrong Print Paper

Standard A4 or copy paper is not accepted. The photo must be printed on glossy or matte photo-quality paper at a professional printing service or on a dedicated photo printer.

Photo Too Old

The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. If your appearance has changed significantly, take a new photo regardless of when the current one was taken.

Frequently Asked Questions

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