50 × 70 mm (1.97 × 2.76 in) · 1000 × 1400 px · 31–36 mm · white
Official measurements
Taken by an approved photographer only
A home-made or edited photo is not accepted for the Canadian PR card photo. Have it taken by an approved photographer or photo booth, or at the office when you apply. Use the measurements on this page to check the photo you are given.
Head
Eyes
Specification
Photo size
50 × 70 mm (1.97 × 2.76 in)
Digital size
1000 × 1400 px (508 dpi at print size)
Head height
31–36 mm (top of the skull (hair not counted); 44–51% of the photo height)
The permanent resident photo is 50 × 70 mm like the passport photo, but IRCC measures the head without the hair and allows only plain white. Online applications take one digital photo between 715 × 1000 and 2000 × 2800 px; paper applications need two identical prints.
Photo check
Do this, avoid that
DoSoft window light, plain wall
AvoidHarsh overhead light, busy background
DoNeutral expression, eyes open, hair off the face
AvoidBig smile, tilted head, sunglasses
What the Canadian PR card photo needs
A Canadian PR card photo is 50 × 70 mm, which is 1.97 × 2.76 in. The editor exports it at 1000 × 1400 px, enough for a sharp print at 508 dpi.
The rule measures the head from the chin to the top of the skull (hair not counted): it must be 31–36 mm, which is 44–51% of the photo height. The editor draws this band on the frame so you can place the chin inside it.
The background must be plain white, with no shadows, patterns or objects behind you.
The same 50 × 70 mm size is also used for: Canadian passport photo. The head size or background can still differ, so choose the exact document.
Check the latest rules
These measurements were last checked on 2026-10-16 against the source above. Photo rules change and offices can be strict, so check your government's or embassy's current requirements before you print or submit. We cannot guarantee that a photo will be accepted.
FAQ
Questions about the Canadian PR card photo
What size is a Canadian PR card photo?
50 × 70 mm, which is 1.97 × 2.76 in. As a digital file it is 1000 × 1400 px.
How big should the head be in a Canadian PR card photo?
31–36 mm from the chin to the top of the skull (hair not counted), which is 44–51% of the photo height.
What background colour does a Canadian PR card photo need?
The background must be plain white, with no shadows, patterns or objects behind you.
Will my Canadian PR card photo be accepted?
We cannot promise that. The editor helps you match the size and head height, but offices also check the background, lighting, expression, glasses and how recent the photo is. Check your government's latest rules before you submit.
Can I make a Canadian PR card photo at home?
No. This document only accepts a photo taken by an approved photographer, a photo booth or the office itself, so a home photo will be refused however well it is cropped. Check the office's current instructions before you go.
Can a baby's PR card photo be taken in a car seat?
Yes. IRCC allows a newborn in a car seat if a white blanket covers the seat behind the head. Child photos follow the same size and head rules, and neither your hands nor the child's may show.
