File Size Limitation - PGP Documents via E-Mail

Sponsoring Family
1

Good day,
Part of the PGP program; after being invited and applying to sponsor my mom in 2024, I recently received a letter from IRCC requesting more info and updated documents; certificates, IMM forms, complete passport scans and other “totalling less than 5 MBs” which, despite being able to significantly reduce the PDF files size will not lower below 5MB unless they’re rendered completely unreadable,

Can I email them in multiple emails, if not, how, do you recommend I go about achieving such while remaining clear and legible, please?

Any input you can provide would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks in advance!
S.

2

Hi there,

Thank you for sharing your question and situation with us.

According to IRCC’s Help Centre article, I need to add multiple files to my online application, but there is only one field to upload documents. What can I do?

There are a few ways to reduce file size above. When changing the file size of your PDF, it is important to make sure that the file is still readable.

You may also find helpful information in the IRCC Helpdesk article, My documents are too large to upload. How do I reduce the file size?

First, make sure you know the file size limit for the online application you use. Depending on what you’re applying for, the limit can be as low as 2 MB.

Here are some tips for reducing the overall size of your file.

PDF format

  • Save as a PDF again, but select the “lowest file size” option available in the software you’re using to create the PDF. For instance, in Microsoft Word, there is an “Optimize for” panel to the left of the “Save” button. Select “Minimum size” to get a reduced file size with clear text and images.
  • Reduce the image size if you have access to photo-editing software.
    • Saving your images at a lower resolution, such as 96 DPI (dots per inch) or 150 DPI, can greatly reduce image file size.
    • File size and image options are usually found under the advanced settings menu of the software.
  • Remove all unnecessary images in your file.

JPG format

  • Scan your document at a lower resolution, such as 96 DPI.
  • If you don’t have a scanner, take a photo with your cellphone, and choose a smaller image size.
  • Use the “Crop” feature to remove all empty space around the image.
  • Reduce the image size. Options are usually found under the advanced settings menu of the software.
  • Reduce the JPG image quality if you have access to photo-editing software.

TIFF and PNG format

  • Scan your document at a lower resolution (96 DPI).
  • If you don’t have a scanner, take a photo with your cellphone, and choose a smaller image size.
  • Use the “Crop” feature to remove all empty space around the image.
  • Reduce the image size. Options are usually found under the advanced settings menu of the software.
  • Save the file in JPG format instead.

DOC and DOCX format

  • Remove unnecessary images, formatting and macros in your Word document.
  • Save the file as a recent Word version.
  • Reduce the images’ size before you add them to your Word document. If you have access to photo-editing software
    • Saving your images at a lower resolution, such as 96 DPI or 150 DPI, can greatly reduce image file size.
    • File size and image options can usually be found under advanced settings menu of the software.
  • If your file is still too large, save the file as a PDF
    • When you save as a PDF, use the “Optimize for” panel to the left of the “Save” button. Select “Minimum size” to get a reduced file size with clear text and images.

Please let us know if you’ve tried these methods and if they work for you. We hope this information is helpful!

Sincerely,

Your Settlement.Org Team