IRCC upload rules at a glance
| Where it applies | File size limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Most online application portals (PR, study permit, work permit, visitor visa) | 4 MB per file | Applies per file, not per application, combine multiple pages into one PDF before this limit matters |
| A handful of specific upload fields | 2 MB per file | The field itself typically states its limit when you click into it, always check before assuming 4 MB |
| Accepted formats | PDF, TIFF, JPG, PNG, DOC, DOCX | Excel and ZIP files are rejected outright, see the full formats guide |
Where the 4 MB limit applies
The 4 MB ceiling applies across IRCC's main online application portals, permanent residence (Express Entry and others), study permits, work permits, visitor visas, and citizenship applications. A small number of specific upload fields cap files at a tighter 2 MB, the field itself usually shows you the limit when you click into it, so it's worth reading that note before you upload.
What counts toward the limit
The limit is per file, not per application. That's exactly why applicants combine several pages or documents, six months of bank statements, for example, into a single PDF for one checklist slot, rather than uploading each page separately.
How to get under 4 MB
- Scan or save at a lower resolution, 150-200 DPI is plenty for a text document to stay legible.
- Save PDFs using their "reduce file size" or lowest-quality export option before uploading.
- Convert TIFF or PNG scans to JPG inside the PDF, TIFF in particular tends to be oversized.
- If a checklist slot allows more than one file, consider splitting a very long document into two.
Compress your PDF to 4 MB
Free, runs in your browser, and targets IRCC's exact limit.
Official IRCC references: IRCC application forms and guides · Immigration and citizenship on canada.ca
Frequently asked questions
What happens if my file is over 4 MB?
The IRCC portal will refuse the upload, you won't be able to submit until the file is under the limit, so it's worth checking before you're mid-application and blocked.
Is the file-size limit the same for every IRCC program?
4 MB is the limit that applies most broadly, but a handful of specific upload fields cap files at 2 MB. The field itself typically states its limit when you click into it.
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.