A Canadian permanent resident card needs photos taken by a commercial photographer, as Canadian passport photos do. The photographer prints the photo at the PR card frame size and writes the studio's name, address and date on the back. Because you cannot supply a home-made photo, this site sells nothing for the PR card. You can still use the checker to confirm a studio photo looks right before you post your application.
Make and check a Canada PR card photo Free checker; files from A$6.99.
Specification
| Photo size | 50 × 70 mm (1.97 × 2.76 in) |
|---|---|
| Pixels at 300 / 600 dpi | 591 × 827 px / 1181 × 1654 px |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 31–36 mm |
| Eye line from bottom | not specified |
| Head width | not specified |
| Space above the crown | not specified |
| Background | plain and light |
| Background editing | not allowed (retake instead) |
| Glasses | allowed only with no glare and frames clear of the eyes |
| Expression | neutral, mouth closed |
| Recency | taken in the last 6 months |
| Print requirements | photo paper, studio print — Taken by a commercial photographer, with the studio's name, address and the date on the back of one photo. |
| Digital upload | none |
| Self-taken photos | not accepted |
| Prints needed | 2 |
| Infant rules | eyes may be closed, mouth may be open (under 1) |
| Official source | IRCC – Get, renew or replace a PR card |
Check the official source. Some values on this page could not be confirmed from the official page when it was last checked (2026-10-29).
- The IRCC PR card page read on 2026-10-29 did not include the photo specification (the fee failed to load). The values here follow IRCC's long-standing PR card photo specification: 50×70 mm frame, head 31–36 mm, taken by a commercial photographer with the studio name, address and date on the back, plain white or light background. Confirm on IRCC's PR card photo specifications before you go.
- IRCC requires a commercial photographer; nothing is sold for this document.
Can I take it myself? No
No. IRCC's PR card photo specification requires a commercial photographer, with the studio details and date on the back. Your first PR card is free if you send your photo and address within 180 days of becoming a permanent resident, according to IRCC's PR card page.
How to take the photo
- Read IRCC's PR card photo specifications and print them to take to the photographer.
- Visit a commercial photographer who does PR card photos (many pharmacies and studios do).
- Check the prints: plain light background, head 31–36 mm, neutral expression, eyes open, studio details and date on the back.
- Optionally scan or photograph the print and run it through the checker here.
- Include the photos with your PR card application as IRCC directs.
Why Canada PR card photos get rejected
- Home-printed photo. Have it taken by a commercial photographer.
- No studio details or date on the back. Ask the photographer to add them.
- Head outside 31–36 mm. Ask for a retake at the right size.
- Shadows or a non-plain background. Retake at the studio.
- Photo older than six months. Get new photos.
Infants and children
Children need their own PR card photos, also taken by a commercial photographer. Babies' eyes may not need to be fully open; the photographer manages the pose.
What it costs
Your first PR card is free if you send your photo and address within 180 days of becoming a permanent resident (IRCC). Renewal and replacement fees are on IRCC's fee list. Studio PR card photos typically cost about the same as passport photos. This site sells no product for this document.
Canada PR card photo FAQ
Can I take my own PR card photo?
No. IRCC requires a commercial photographer.
What size is a PR card photo?
IRCC's specification uses a 50×70 mm frame with the head 31–36 mm; confirm on IRCC's page.
Is the first PR card free?
Yes, if you send your photo and address within 180 days of becoming a permanent resident, according to IRCC.
What goes on the back?
The studio's name and address and the date the photo was taken.
Why does this site not sell a PR card file?
Because a self-made photo is not accepted; selling one would be misleading.
Can I use the checker?
Yes. Scan or photograph the studio print and check it here before you send it.
Related documents
Canadian passport
50×70 mm · head 31–36 mmCanada visa and immigration photo (IRCC)
35×45 mm · head 31–36 mmLast verified 2026-10-29 against IRCC – Get, renew or replace a PR card. Spotted a mistake? Report an error.