Reference
Compress a PDF for the IRCC portal
The IRCC portal refuses any file over 5 MB. The error often arrives after several minutes of uploading, which makes it all the more irritating to fix.
| Service or procedure | Maximum size | Source |
|---|---|---|
| IRCC (Portal) | 5 MB | IRCC |
Checked on 2026-10-17.
5 MB, and per file
Each piece is judged separately: your application can exceed 5 MB in total without trouble. Only a single file above the threshold is rejected.
Depending on the form, IRCC sometimes applies 4 MB rather than 5. Aiming for 3.5 MB settles both cases at once and saves you a second attempt.
Shrinking the file before uploading
- Open Compress PDF and drop your document in.
- Aim for 3.5 MB: that gets through every section of the portal.
- Read the document over on screen, then upload it.
The compression happens in the browser. Your identity documents pass through no intermediate server.
The mistakes that cost time
- Uploading without checking the size: the portal only warns you at the end.
- Compressing too hard: an illegible document is refused by the officer, which costs far more than a second attempt.
- Forgetting that format matters too: IRCC generally expects a PDF, not a JPEG photo. Images to PDF handles the conversion.
- Scanning a black-and-white document in colour, which multiplies the weight for nothing.
FAQ
What is the IRCC portal's limit?
5 MB per uploaded file. Some sections apply 4 MB.
Why does my upload fail at the very end?
The portal only checks the size once the transfer finishes. Check the file size before you start.
What size should I aim for to be safe?
3.5 MB. That gets through everywhere on the portal, whatever the section.
Is the file uploaded to your servers?
No. The compression happens on your device; nothing is transmitted.