Canadian Permanent Resident Card Photo

What is A Canadian Permanent Resident Card?

A permanent resident card (PR card) is the most common identity document for permanent residents in Canada. It serves as a travel document for permanent residents returning to Canada and also allows you to live and work in Canada, apply for Canadian citizenship, and enjoy rights and public services as Canadian citizens.

Canadian Permanent Resident Card Photo Specifications

• Size. The photo size must be 50 mm wide x 70 mm high. The head height should be kept between 31 mm and 36 mm.
• Photo quality. The original photo must be clear, sharp, and in focus. In addition, your photo should be printed on high-quality photographic paper.
• Photo color. The photo should be in color or black and white.
• Background color. Your photo should be taken in front of a plain and white background. Please avoid wearing white when taking your photo. 
• Shadows or reflections are not acceptable.
• Your photo must be an original one without any alteration in any way.

One of your PR photos should include some information on its back, including:

• The subject's name and date of birth
• The name and complete address of the photography studio
• The date the photograph was taken
• The photographer may use a stamp or handwrite this information. Stick-on labels are not acceptable.

Permanent Resident Photo for Online Submission

You will need a digital PR photo if you apply for the permanent resident card online. The digital PR photo measures 1200x1680 pixels, and the head height is 50%. The background for digital photos is white and the photo can be color or black and white.

Baby's Permanent Resident Card Photo

Children's or baby's PR photos should follow the same requirements mentioned above. It can be a difficult task to take your baby in a standard PR photo since they are too young to obey any rules. Therefore, the official requirements allow minor variations in the baby's facial expression. 

For those newborn babies, photos can be taken while they are sitting in the car seat as long as a white blanket is placed on the seat behind the child's head. Only the baby's head and shoulders should appear in the photo. Make sure there are no shadows on the baby's face or shoulders, around the ears, or in the background.

You can use your hand to support or keep your baby still when taking his or her photo, but you should bear in mind that your hands will not appear in your baby's photo. Other items used for catching your baby's attention, like toys or pacifiers, are not allowed to show up in the picture. 

Tips for Getting Perfect Canada PR Photos

Face the camera directly. In a standard PR photo, you are not supposed to look somewhere else or tilt your head. So please sit or stand erect when taking your picture.

• Wear formal and decent clothes. If you have no idea what to wear, formal clothes with a collar are an apt option. They can make your looks neat and lower the risk of being rejected because of exaggerated or too casual dressing.
• Utilize the natural light in front of you to avoid shadows. Any shadow is not allowed to appear in your PR photo, you have to try your best to make the light of your photo adequate and uniform. You can face a window and use natural light during the daytime when taking your picture.
• Keep a neutral expression. You do not need to smile in your PR photo. Relaxing and keeping your expression neutral helps facial recognition systems better identify your unique facial features to reduce unnecessary hassles.
• Avoid heavy makeup. You can wear natural makeup while taking your photo but need to keep it as simple as possible. Besides, choose those cosmetics products that will not result in any glitter or shine on your face.

How Can I Take My PR Photo If I Am in A Wheelchair?

It will be a little inconvenient for you to take a PR photo if you are in a wheelchair since you are confined to your seat. Nevertheless, putting a plain white blanket over your wheelchair and taking a photo in front of it is a smart try so that you can have your photo taken without leaving your wheelchair. 

Get a Canadian PR Card Photo Without Leaving Home

It can be challenging for some people to take a compliant permanent resident photo on their own. However, by employing basic steps and the right tools, you can get a quality Canadian PR card photo online in seconds.

• Find all the photographic tools you need. Before you start, you need to find a photographic device that can take a good-quality picture of yourself, a plain-colored background, and someone who can help you take pictures.
• Take a portrait of yourself. Ask your friends or your family members to help you take a picture.
• Perfect your photo to ensure it is a standard one. After you get your original photo, it is necessary to resize it to meet the standards. However, this is a demanding job and you don't need to do it yourself. You can use our AiPassportPhotos to resize your photo, change the background color, and check compliance. Simply upload your photo and let our PR card photo editor do the rest of the work. In just a few seconds, you can get your perfect and compliant Canadian PR photo.

How Much Does PR Card Photo Cost?

Both online and offline options can help to make a PR card photo affordable. You can visit any local photo studio that offers ID photo shooting and printing services. The cost of printed PR card photos varies by retailer.

• Two ID photos cost CAD 13.80 at Jean Coutu.
• Walmart charges CAD 15.99 for a set of PR card-size photos.
• Shoppers Drug Mart has higher prices at CAD 19.99 for two photos.

Alternatively, you can create a compliant PR card photo online at AiPassportPhotos, which costs 2 free credits. Printable templates can be downloaded and used for applications.

How to Print a Canada PR Card Photo?

Two printed photos are needed for the Canadian PR card application. AiPassportPhotos offers a convenient solution by providing a template for printing on standard 4x6'' paper. You can print the PR card photo with any printer and photo paper, as the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada(IRCC) accepts both color and black and white photos.

You also can print your photo at a local pharmacy or post office. To save on additional fees, you can order online and choose the nearest location for convenient pickup.

How Long Does it Take to Get a PR Card After Photo Request?

It usually takes 90 days to get a PR card after a photo request. New Canada permanent resident card will be issued within 45 days.