United States · NVC / CEAC document preparation
NVC/CEAC document upload limits for immigrant visa applications
The National Visa Center (NVC) publishes scanning and uploading guidance for documents submitted through CEAC during immigrant visa processing. Its 2 MB per-file limit is stricter than most Canadian IRCC accounts, so oversized scans are a common upload problem.
Published and source-checked .
NVC's scanning and uploading rules
The official NVC scanning and uploading tips page states these requirements for documents uploaded through CEAC:
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Maximum size per file | 2 MB |
| Scan resolution | 150 DPI |
| Accepted formats | .jpg, .jpeg, .pdf |
| Zipped or password-protected files | Not accepted |
| Multi-page documents | One single file — do not split across multiple uploads |
| Color | Scan in color if the original document is colored |
| Stamps, seals, or writing on the back | Scan both sides |
Source: U.S. Department of State — NVC scanning and uploading tips.
Why the 2 MB limit trips people up
A phone camera photo or a high-resolution color scan of a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or police record can easily exceed 2 MB, especially at more than 150 DPI. Because NVC does not accept split files, the whole document has to fit in one file under the limit.
Scanning at a lower, still-legible resolution before compressing usually produces a better result than compressing an oversized high-resolution scan afterward.
A safer PDF preparation workflow
- 1
Scan at 150 DPI
Higher resolution is rarely necessary and makes the 2 MB limit harder to hit.
- 2
Scan both sides if needed
If the back has a stamp, seal, or writing, scan and include that side too.
- 3
Save as PDF, JPG, or JPEG
These are the only formats NVC lists as acceptable. Do not zip or password-protect the file.
- 4
Keep it as one file
Do not split a document across multiple uploads to get under the limit.
- 5
Check the exact limit
Choose NVC/CEAC in the PDF Size Checker to confirm the file is under 2 MB.
- 6
Compress only if needed
Compression can rasterize pages and remove searchable PDF structure, so reopen and check readability afterward.
- 7
Recheck before uploading
Open the downloaded file, confirm every page is legible, then run the size check again.
What the size checker does not verify
- Document requirements or completeness
- Translation requirements
- Signatures or document validity
- Password and security restrictions
- Scan quality or content accuracy
- CEAC acceptance or visa outcome
Related upload guides
Frequently asked questions
What is the NVC/CEAC document upload size limit?
The U.S. Department of State’s NVC scanning and uploading guidance states each individual scanned document must be no larger than 2 MB, which is stricter than most Canadian IRCC limits.
Can I split one document into several smaller files to fit under 2 MB?
No. NVC guidance says documents must be uploaded as single files, not split into parts. If a document is over the limit, reduce its file size instead of dividing it.
Does passing the VisaFalcon size check guarantee CEAC will accept my document?
No. The checker measures file size and basic PDF readability only. It cannot verify document requirements, translations, content, or account-specific instructions from the National Visa Center.
Official sources
Review method: we compared this page against the official NVC scanning and uploading tips page on July 13, 2026. Report corrections to info@visafalcon.com.