Citizenship photo specification change on August 23, 2017

[adilmk123]

Was name and address of photographer mentioned (in the back of photos) in both the cases? If yes, who did that, you or photographer?

Yes the date and the name of the studio was stamped in both cases. Also i would suggest to get it done through a photography studio so that there are no hiccups. You wont save much if the application is returned.

 

[apply_01]

Hello members,

In the same situation. I had photos taken on Aug 23rd with old requirements. Submitted Aug 29th, received Aug 31st.
I used all the forms and requirements from mid August.
I hope none of the forms changed? What should I do about the photos?
Any replies would help.
Thanks.

 

[apply_01]

Hello,

In a similar situation. I had photos taken on Aug 23rd with old requirements. Submitted Aug 29th, received Aug 31st.
I used all the forms and requirements from mid August.
I hope none of the forms changed? What should I do about the photos?
Any replies would help.
Thanks.

Did you by any chance ask them about what happens if someone has already sent the application with the old spec photos? I signed and sent my application on August 8, and it was delivered on August 10. I haven't received AOR yet, so I'm hoping they don't return my application.

Thanks for the input everyone. I did call CIC and was told that it is up to the visa officer to decide if the application should be accepted or rejected. I was told to wait as at this point I cannot do anything further.

I thought I would share this so that everyone is aware and in case the situation comes up again in future. For now fingers crossed

 

[DohMan]

All,
I sent my application on Aug 23rd 2017 and it was received on Aug 27th 2017.
I have used the photos I took on Aug 21st using the old specs.
I hope the photos get accepted.
I wish CIC/IRCC did publish the upcoming changes etc. so that the applicants are aware of the changes and are prepared while submitting the application.
The specs changed on the day I sent the application

 

[rao_manoj2004]

I sent my application on Aug 24th with old photos sizes

 

[Going through]

I sent my daughter's in on August 25th with the old photos...didn't read about the change until a few days ago. I'm worried now too.

However, this is my thinking: The new photo specifications come into effect for photos physically dated by the photographer AFTER August 23rd. IRCC allows photos to be used if they are taken within the last 6 months according to the application. So say I had the photos taken in March 2017, they would still be valid under that 6-month rule. I think the new specifications are only for those taking the actual photos after the new change went into effect.

 

[nyguy2]

I sent my daughter's in on August 25th with the old photos...didn't read about the change until a few days ago. I'm worried now too.

However, this is my thinking: The new photo specifications come into effect for photos physically dated by the photographer AFTER August 23rd. IRCC allows photos to be used if they are taken within the last 6 months according to the application. So say I had the photos taken in March 2017, they would still be valid under that 6-month rule. I think the new specifications are only for those taking the actual photos after the new change went into effect.

They make the photographer date the photos for a reason. With transportation times (up to 2 weeks with mail coming from the US, much longer if the application is collected from an embassy) and then processing times (mine took a month), it would result in a ton of returned applications if they changed the photo spec without warning and then rejected/returned every application that immediately didn't meet the specifications.

I would strongly believe that the only date that is going to matter is the photograph's listed date, maybe the date of postmark (because the applications will sit for several weeks before being opened and checked).

If you already sent in the application, its out of your hands at this point. Highly unlikely to be rejected.

If you haven't sent in the application already, you could call the call centre (using the "back door" if in the US), ask the embassy... or, if it's not a huge burden, take the old spec photos back along with the new photo specs to the photographer. Digital photography is super cheap and most places would be willing to re-take/print the photos free of charge.

 

[shekhawatmx]

Thanks guys for taking time to reply. Will write all the info as I did with everything so far visa, PR, etc. FYI, I will be doing my photo myself (costs not more than 20 cents for 6 photos, may be 4 this time). However, never before I encounter to put the photographer's name and address.

i will not advice that because as per cic you have to mentioned below on back of the photo plus when agent see photos are clicked thorough reputed company like shoppers durg mart, costco then they dont questions.

• Provide the name of the photographer or the studio, the studio address and the date the photos were taken on the back of the photos

 

[Going through]

I would strongly believe that the only date that is going to matter is the photograph's listed date, maybe the date of postmark (because the applications will sit for several weeks before being opened and checked).

I agree with your line of thinking, it's what I feel as well... considering the photos I had done were taken in March it leads me to believe it most likely won't be an issue (because they were taken long before the specification changes)...however my application being postmarked on August 25th might be cause for them to say "well I should have been aware" of the specs changing two days prior...because it's all subjective depending upon who's opening my application. One agent may be ok with it and not care because it was sent so close to the change, and the change wasn't widely reported---another one could be super-anal about every little thing or just having a bad day.

Then there remains the whole "photos must be taken within the last 6 months"...which makes the prior specifications valid, even if received now.

Ah, well, all I can do is hope for the best!
I probably won't know either way for another couple of months anyhow by the time they get around to actually processing my application so not going to sweat too much about it.

On an aside---I mailed it on August 25th, and only yesterday (Sept. 6th) it cleared Canada customs....so IRCC might not even have it in their hands yet. As long as IRCC receives the application by Sept 14th, the photos are valid (under the 6 month rule)....although I assume the 6 month tally ends on the postmark date as well.

 

[humsafar]

Guys I have one question regarding photos. Is the name of Photo Studio and Date of photo taken has to be Printed (e.g stamped) at the back of photo or we can write it by hand ?

 

[mickey_mouse]

Guys I have one question regarding photos. Is the name of Photo Studio and Date of photo taken has to be Printed (e.g stamped) at the back of photo or we can write it by hand ?

any option is ok