Green Card Photos: Different From Every Other Visa Photo
If you're applying for a US Green Card (I-551 / Permanent Residence) or a Canadian PR Card, your photo requirements are different from those for visitor visas, work permits, or student visas. Understanding the specific PR requirements is critical -- a photo that works for DS-160 won't necessarily work for I-551.
US Green Card (I-551) Photo Requirements
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Number of photos | 2 identical photos |
| Size | 2x2 inches (600x600px at 300 DPI) |
| Head ratio | 50-69% (chin to crown) |
| Background | Pure white |
| Expression | Neutral, no glasses, no headwear |
| Eye height | 28-35mm from bottom (M-603 specific) |
| Photo age | Within 6 months |
| File size | Max 240KB for online submission |
Canada PR Card Photo Requirements
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Number of photos | 2 identical photos (1 for application, 1 for interview) |
| Size | 35x45mm (413x531px at 300 DPI) |
| Head height | 31-36mm |
| Background | Pure white, no shadows |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open |
| Facial recognition | Both eyes must be fully visible and at equal height |
| Photo age | Within 6 months |
| Professional photographer | Strongly recommended by IRCC |
Why "Two Identical Photos" Matters for PR Applications
Both US I-551 and Canadian PR applications require two identical photos -- not two similar photos, not two photos from the same session that look slightly different. The two files must be byte-for-byte identical.
This is a common rejection cause when:
- Applicant takes two photos at different times (slightly different pose, lighting, or expression)
- File export settings differ slightly between two saves
- One photo is a screenshot of another
SnapshotAI's photo generation always produces identical output, eliminating this rejection cause entirely.
Green Card vs Tourist Visa Photo: What's Different?
| Feature | Green Card (I-551) | Tourist Visa (DS-160) |
|---|---|---|
| Photo count | 2 identical | 1 |
| Eye height rule | 28-35mm (M-603) | Not always enforced |
| Photo age | 6 months | 6 months |
| Professional photographer | Recommended | Not required |
| File size | 240KB | 240KB |
PR Card Photo Timing: When to Take It
USCIS and IRCC both require photos taken within 6 months of filing. For PR applications that can take 12-24 months to process, this means:
- Take fresh photos immediately before filing
- If your case is still pending beyond 6 months from your photo date, you may need updated photos for the interview
Common PR Photo Rejections
US Green Card
- Eye height outside 28-35mm
- Slight smile or partial teeth visible
- Background not pure white
- Photo slightly cropped (file size compressed incorrectly)
- Two photos not identical
Canadian PR Card
- Head height outside 31-36mm
- Shadow under chin from side lighting
- Eyes not at equal height (head tilted)
- File size too large
- Non-white background
Generate Your Green Card / PR Card Photo
Create your US Green Card photo → Create your Canadian PR card photo →