Where to get your PR card photo

Any commercial photographer or photo studio can take it. What matters is what you ask for and what you check before you leave.

No prices, no paid listingsChecked against IRCC’s photo page

A small photo studio with a camera on a tripod facing a plain white backdrop and an empty stool.

The short answer

IRCC asks for a photo taken by a commercial photographer or studio. Independent studios do it, and so do many pharmacy and retail photo counters.

Photo counters whose own websites list permanent resident photos:

Walmart Photo CentreAcross CanadaPermanent Resident (PR) Photos page
London DrugsWestern CanadaPermanent Resident Photos page
Jean CoutuQuébec, New Brunswick and OntarioID photos page
StaplesAcross CanadaPassport and visa photos page

Services vary by store, so call ahead. Prices vary too; ask before the photo is taken. prcard.ca has no ties to these businesses and is not paid by them.

At the counter, say this

Staff who take passport photos know the size. Say what it is for and ask for both parts.

“A Canadian permanent resident card photo, with the digital file and the back stamped.”

The printed size is the same 50 × 70 mm as a Canadian passport photo, but the back needs different details, so say it is for a PR card.

Before you leave, check

Five things, while you are still at the counter.

The back carries all four details: your name and date of birth, the date the photo was taken, and the studio’s name and complete address. Stamped or handwritten, or on a receipt.
The date taken is today’s date.
The digital file is sent to you, as a JPEG, 4 MB or less.
Your expression is neutral with your mouth closed, your eyes are open, and there is no glare on your glasses.
The background is plain white, with no shadows on your face or behind you.

What to wear

Not white: white clothing can blend into the white background.
Nothing covering your neck: no turtleneck, bulky jacket or high top.
No facial jewellery around the mouth or eyes.
Glasses are fine if your eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare. No sunglasses or tinted lenses.
A head covering only if you wear it daily for religious or medical reasons, with your face and ears visible.

Can I take it myself?

IRCC says “Go to a commercial photographer or studio to have your photo taken.”

A photo you take yourself also has no studio name and address for the back, which the portal asks for.

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Where to get it: questions

Where can I get my PR card photo taken?

At any commercial photographer or photo studio in Canada. Many pharmacy and retail photo counters take them too; Walmart Photo Centre, London Drugs, Jean Coutu and Staples list permanent resident photos on their own websites.

Does Shoppers Drug Mart do PR card photos?

Shoppers Drug Mart’s site lists passport and ID photos, but we could not find PR card photos named there. Call your store and ask for a Canadian permanent resident card photo with the back stamped.

Can I get a PR photo at Staples?

Staples’ passport and visa photo page lists permanent resident photos, with digital or printed copies. Services vary by store, so call ahead.

Is a PR card photo the same as a passport photo?

The printed size is the same, 50 × 70 mm. The back is not: a PR card photo needs your name, date of birth, the date taken and the studio’s name and complete address. Say it is for a PR card.

How much does a PR card photo cost?

Prices vary by store and change often, so this page lists none. Ask before the photo is taken, and check that the price includes the digital file.

How recent does the photo have to be?

Taken no more than 12 months before you apply.