Your Complete Guide to Canadian Citizenship Edmonton-Printheart.ca
Your Complete Guide to Canadian Citizenship — and Why the Right Photo Matters
Published by PrintHeart.ca
Updated: July 2025
π Location: Edmonton, Canada
Applying for Canadian citizenship is the culmination of years spent building your life here. From securing permanent residency to acing the citizenship test, every step has its own requirements—and one small detail can trip you up: your official photo. In this post, we’ll walk you through the path to citizenship, highlight the photo specs you need to nail, and show you how PrintHeart.ca makes this effortless—so you can focus on what really matters.
1. From Temporary Status to Permanent Resident
Most future citizens start as work‑permit or study‑permit holders before moving on to permanent residency (PR). Common pathways include:
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Express Entry
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Federal Skilled Worker Program: For professionals with eligible work experience.
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Canadian Experience Class: If you’ve already worked in Canada.
 
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Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
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Provinces nominate candidates to meet local labour needs—often aligned with Express Entry.
 
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Family Sponsorship
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Canadian citizens or PR holders can sponsor spouses, common‑law partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents.
 
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Key tip: Whichever stream you choose, you’ll need a compliant passport‑style photo for your PR application. Getting it right the first time prevents delays—more on that in section 4.
2. Fulfilling Residency Requirements
Once your PR application is approved and you “land” in Canada, you become a permanent resident. To maintain PR status, you must:
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Be physically present for at least 730 days within every rolling five‑year period.
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File Canadian income taxes for at least three of the last five years (even if you had low/no income).
 
Track your days carefully—missing the 730‑day threshold can jeopardize your status.
3. Preparing for the Citizenship Application
When you’ve held PR for at least 1,095 days (3 years) out of the last five, you’re eligible to apply for citizenship. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Language Proof (ages 18–54)
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CLB 4 or higher in English or French via approved tests (e.g., IELTS, TEF).
 
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Tax Filing Records
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Notices of Assessment for at least three years.
 
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Police Certificates
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From every country where you lived 6+ months since age 18.
 
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Knowledge Test
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A 20‑question exam on Canada’s history, values, symbols, and rights.
 
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Passport‑Style Photos
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Two identical photos taken within the last six months.
 
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π Photo reminder: Even if everything else is perfect, an IRCC‑noncompliant picture forces re‑submission and delays. That’s where PrintHeart.ca has your back.
4. IRCC Photo Specifications — What You Must Get Right
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has strict rules for citizenship photos:
| Requirement | Specification | 
|---|---|
| Size | 35 × 45 mm (width × height) | 
| Head Position | 31 – 36 mm from chin to crown | 
| Background | Plain white or light grey, no shadows or patterns | 
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open, full face visible, no tilt | 
| Glasses & Headwear | No tinted lenses or heavy frames; religious head coverings OK if they don’t obscure features | 
| Quality | High resolution, in focus, natural skin tones, no red‑eye or glare | 
Common pitfalls: wrong background, off‑center cropping, low resolution, outdated shots, or over‑editing. Avoid these by choosing a specialist.
5. Why PrintHeart.ca Is Your Citizenship‑Photo Partner
At PrintHeart.ca, we specialize in immigration‑grade photos that meet IRCC’s checklist — guaranteed:
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Instant Compliance Check
Every photo is measured and screened against IRCC specs before you leave our Edmonton studio (T6N 1T1). - 
Digital & Print Versions
Receive two physical prints plus a high‑res JPEG formatted for online applications. - 
Fast, Friendly Service
Walk‑ins welcome; get your photos in under 2 minutes—no appointment needed. - 
Affordable Packages
Ask for our “Citizenship Photo Bundle” to save on digital + print at a bundled rate. - 
Expert Guidance
Our staff know every rule inside out—no guesswork, no delays. 
Pro tip: Bookmark https://printheart.ca and select the “Citizenship Photo Package” during checkout for exclusive discounts.
6. Submitting Your Citizenship Application
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Complete the online form on the IRCC website.
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Upload your digital photo (JPEG, 420 × 540 pixels at 600 dpi).
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Mail any required supporting documents, including two printed photos.
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Pay the fees and track your application online.
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Attend your test and ceremony when invited—and don’t forget your final set of photos for your citizenship certificate!
 
7. Seal the Deal: From PR to Proud Canadian Citizen
Once you’ve passed the test and taken the Oath of Citizenship, you’ll receive your certificate—and with it, all the rights and privileges of a Canadian. It’s the proudest moment of your journey, and it all starts with careful preparation.
Ready to keep your application moving without hiccups?
Stop by PrintHeart.ca today—or walk into our Edmonton studio (T6N 1T1)—and get your Canadian citizenship photos done right the first time.
Visit us at PrintHeart.ca
Email-:info@printheart.ca
Contact-: +1 (825) 526 6768
Your journey to becoming a Canadian citizen deserves a flawless start—trust PrintHeart.ca to get your photo right every time.
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