The accepted list
| Format | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-page documents, forms | Safest default, combine multiple documents into one PDF per checklist slot | |
| JPG | Photos, single-page scans | Standard choice for the digital photo requirement |
| PNG | Screenshots, single-page scans | Usually a larger file than an equivalent JPG |
| TIFF | Scanner default output | Often oversized, worth converting to PDF or JPG first |
| DOC / DOCX | Letters, written statements | PDF is still the safer choice if you don't want formatting to shift |
What's not accepted
Excel spreadsheets (.xls, .xlsx), ZIP archives, and most other file types are rejected outright by IRCC's upload fields. If a bank or employer sends you data as a spreadsheet, export or print it to PDF before you upload it.
Check any file against IRCC's rules
Drag in a file for an instant pass/fail on format, size, and more.
Official IRCC references: IRCC application forms and guides · Immigration and citizenship on canada.ca
Frequently asked questions
Can I upload a Word document to IRCC?
Yes, .doc and .docx are on IRCC's accepted format list. Converting to PDF first is still safer, since it guarantees the formatting an officer sees matches exactly what you intended.
Does IRCC accept Excel files?
No. Excel spreadsheets aren't on IRCC's accepted list. If your data is in a spreadsheet, export or print it to PDF before uploading.
Doing this for a live application?
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