What's usually the same
- Plain, light-colored background
- Neutral expression, eyes open and visible
- Recent photo, generally within the last 6 months
What can differ by program
Exact print dimensions and head-framing measurements have varied slightly between application types and have changed over time, this is the one spec worth verifying directly against your specific application's current instructions rather than assuming it matches your visa photo exactly.
Crop a photo to your target size
Choose a preset or enter a custom pixel size once you've confirmed the current spec.
Frequently asked questions
Are PR photo requirements the same as visa photo requirements?
The framing rules are similar, but print dimensions and technical specs can differ by program, always check the photo instructions for your specific application at canada.ca.
Can I take a PR or citizenship photo myself?
Many applicants do, a plain light background, even lighting, and a neutral expression are the key requirements, and a crop tool handles the dimensions.
Doing this for a live application?
IRCC Ready Docs gets your files ready. Get North Path, the platform behind it, pairs AI with a licensed consultant to handle your whole application. Book a free consultation to see where you stand.
Track your application after you submit
See your file's status, next steps, and processing times in one place at track.getnorthpath.com.