Permanent resident photos

The photographer may use a stamp or handwrite this information. Stick-on labels are unacceptable.

For digital photos, this information can be provided in one separate document including a confirmation from the photo studio (i.e. receipt).

Additional details for digital photos:

The photograph must be:

• in JPEG or PNG format;
• measurements must be between 715x1000 and 2000x2800 pixels;
• file size must 4 MB or less;
• a scanned photo (don’t take a picture of a paper photo with your digital camera or phone).

The photographer may use a stamp or handwrite this information. Stick-on labels are unacceptable.

Extra details

• Glasses may be worn in photos as long as the eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare in the glasses.
• Sunglasses and tinted eye glasses are unacceptable.
• Photos with the red-eye effect or red eye alterations are unacceptable.
• Hats and head coverings must not be worn, unless they are worn daily for religious beliefs or medical reasons. However, your full face must be clearly visible and the head covering must not cast any shadows on your face.
• Your hair can be down.
• Shadows are not acceptable. Lighting must be uniform to avoid shadows across the face or shoulders, around the ears or in the background.

Child photos

• Child photos must follow the same rules indicated above.
• Photos must show the child's head and shoulders only. Parent's or child's hands must not appear in the photo.
• We recognize the difficulty in obtaining a neutral expression of a newborn and will allow for some minor variations in this regard.
• For newborn babies, the photo may be taken while the child is sitting in a car seat, as long as a white blanket is placed over the seat behind the child's head. There must be no shadows on the face or shoulders, around the ears or in the background.

Your application will be rejected if your photos do not meet these specifications.

Medical considerations

Wheelchairs:

If you are in a wheelchair, we recommend that a plain white blanket placed over the wheelchair behind the applicant's head so that your facial features and the edges of your face are clearly visible.

Headwear or nasal cannula:

When required for medical reasons, you can wear headwear or a nasal cannula in your permanent resident photo – as long as your eyes remain clearly visible. We recommend that you include a signed explanation with your application. We may request that you submit a letter from your doctor.

Acceptable permanent resident photos

These photos do not represent the actual size of a permanent resident photo.

Height of face correct

Correct child pose

Unacceptable permanent resident photos

Here are a few unacceptable permanent resident photos so you know what to look for before you submit your application.

Shadow behind ears

Hands in picture

Reflection on glasses

Face not square to camera

Facial features not clearly visible

Tinted eye glasses cannot be worn