Start here
Choose the right target size
Best first step when you are unsure whether 2 MB or 4 MB is the safer target for the real portal or account you will use.
Do not guess: choose a safe target
Use these guides when 2 MB and 4 MB do not mean the same thing in every portal, when a PDF opens fine but still gets rejected, or when you need to decide whether OCR or PDF/A-2b really help.
IRCC limits
IRCC file size limits
Use this when IRCC guidance looks inconsistent because one account says 2 MB and another says 4 MB.
Stricter case
2 MB limits
For stricter upload caps where some official flows mention 4 MB, but your actual path may still force 2 MB.
Diagnosis
Why uploads get rejected
Use this when a PDF opens fine but the portal still rejects it because of size, restrictions, interactivity, ZIP upload mistakes, or format complexity.
CEAC / NVC
CEAC upload requirements
Use this for file types, strict size constraints, protected files, ZIP mistakes, and color-sensitive supporting documents.
CEAC errors
Invalid Image Detected and similar errors
Use this when CEAC fails even though the file looks fine and you need to regenerate a cleaner upload-ready copy.
Format
When PDF/A-2b helps
Use it when the destination really asks for it, not as a default workaround.
Scans
OCR for scanned PDFs
Useful when you need selectable text, but not something to switch on by default.
Trust
Prepare sensitive PDFs on-device
Use this when the file contains passports, statements, certificates, or other sensitive documents you do not want to hand to a random web converter.
Trust layer: Privacy explains how PDF Ready keeps preparation on-device without uploading PDF contents to PDF Ready servers.