PR Card Photo — Canada Requirements

Photo Dimensions

Size: 50 × 70 mm

Digital File Specifications

Minimum width: 715 px

Maximum width: 2000 px

Maximum file size: 4096 KB

Tips for Getting the Right Size

• Use idpic.app to automatically crop and resize your photo to the exact required dimensions — no manual calculation needed.
• Keep your face centred in the frame with your head fully visible from crown to chin.
• When printing, ensure you print at 100% scale (not "fit to page") to preserve the correct dimensions.
• Your face should fill the correct proportion of the photo. idpic.app shows a face guide overlay to help you position correctly.

Background Specification

Pure white background required. The background must be completely white (#FFFFFF). Off-white, cream, or grey tones are not acceptable.

How to Get the Right Background

• Stand at least 50 cm from the wall to prevent shadows falling on the background.
• Use even, diffuse lighting — a window or softbox pointed at the background helps.
• A plain white or light-coloured wall, a white sheet, or a dedicated photo backdrop all work well.
• Use idpic.app to automatically replace your background with the correct colour — no manual editing required.

Glasses requirements

Prescription glasses may be allowed for this photo, but tinted lenses and sunglasses are not permitted. There must be no glare or reflections on the lenses, and your eyes must be clearly visible.

Tips for Taking Your Photo

• Angle the light source slightly to avoid glare on the lenses.
• Do not wear sunglasses, photochromic (transition), or any tinted lenses.
• Clean the lenses before taking the photo to prevent smudges or reflections.

Common Rejection Reasons

• Wrong background. Canada PR Card photos require a plain White background with no shadows, patterns, or objects. Retake the photo against a flat, evenly lit backdrop.
• Tinted lenses. Sunglasses, photochromic, or any tinted or dark lenses are not permitted in Canada PR Card photos. Only clear prescription lenses are accepted.
• Face obscured by head covering. Religious head coverings are allowed, but your full face — from chin to forehead — must remain visible with no shadow cast on it.
• Face size out of range. Your face must fill between 44% and 51% of the photo height. Move closer to or further from the camera and recrop.
• Photo too old. Canada PR Card photos must be taken within the last 12 months. Take a new photo if yours is older.
• Digital file doesn't meet spec. Online submissions must match the exact pixel dimensions and file size the portal requires. Re-export your photo at the correct size before uploading.
• Low resolution or blurry. Your photo must be sharp and at least 300 pixels on its shortest side. Use good lighting and hold the camera steady.
• Shadows. Shadows across your face or on the background — often from overhead lighting or a nearby wall — are a common rejection reason. Use soft, even lighting from the front.
• Wrong expression. Smiling, frowning, closed eyes, or an open mouth can cause rejection. Keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed and both eyes open, looking directly at the camera.
• Wrong paper or printing. Home-printed photos on regular paper, or prints with a glossy coating that catches light, are often rejected. Print on quality matte photo paper at full size and 100% scale.