New permanent residents of Canada receive their initial permanent resident card usually about eight weeks after landing at a Canadian Port of Entry. However, recently, due to a change in photograph size, the receipt of permanent resident cards may become delayed.
The change is documented in a policy contained in an Operational Bulletin 540-B which refers to changes in the size of photographs pertaining to PR cards. The result in the size change has been that the receipt of the initial PR card after landing has been delayed. Rather than receiving the PR card, we’ve received a notice for new photographs. The notice issued by Canada’s immigration department is here:
Clients whose permanent resident card was not received within eight weeks have called the CIC call centre asking for an explanation. Apparently the call centre had no idea of the reason for the delay being related to a need to provide new photographs. The failure to properly get the word out on the change in photo requirements can lead to frustration for those who require a permanent resident card in a timely way.
Max Chaudhary
With over 30 years of experience, Moin (Max) Chaudhary is the founder and principal of Chaudhary Law Office — a distinguished Barrister & Solicitor holding a B.A. and J.D. A proud Toronto, Ontario native, he has built a strong and trusted reputation in the field of immigration law. A prolific author and sought-after lecturer, Max is regularly retained by the media, fellow immigration lawyers, and consultants alike for his insight on complex immigration matters, appeals, and Federal Court cases. He has served on the Executive of the Ontario Bar Association and served at Chair from 2025 to 2026.
