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PDF upload size limits for official portals

Most files are compressed because a portal refuses anything larger. Here are the published limits for common immigration, court, exam and email systems — each with its official source, the date we checked it, and the exact target to type into a compressor.

Type the target into the size box of Compress PDF. Targets sit slightly under each limit, so the file passes whether a portal counts a megabyte as 1,000,000 or 1,048,576 bytes.

Compress a PDF to a target size

  • IRCC online applications

    Canada

    Published limit
    Commonly 4 MB per file; as low as 2 MB on some forms
    Target to type (MB)
    3.8 (or 1.8)
    Watch out for
    Each document field keeps only one file — combine documents first.

    Step-by-step guideIRCC Help CentreChecked 2026-09-23

  • USCIS online filing (evidence uploads)

    United States

    Published limit
    12 MB per file; PDF, JPG or JPEG (TIFF for some forms)
    Target to type (MB)
    11.5
    Watch out for
    Check the instructions for your specific form as well.

    USCIS — Tips for filing forms onlineChecked 2026-09-23

  • ImmiAccount visa applications

    Australia

    Published limit
    5 MB per file; 30 to 60 files per application depending on the visa
    Target to type (MB)
    4.8
    Watch out for
    The file count includes everything attached later, so combine related pages.

    Home Affairs — attaching documentsChecked 2026-09-23

  • US federal courts (CM/ECF)

    United States

    Published limit
    Set by each court: often 35–50 MB; 10 MB in S.D.N.Y. and the Second Circuit
    Target to type (MB)
    A little under your court’s limit
    Watch out for
    Split by size when a court prefers several attachments. PDF/A accepted, not required.

    Step-by-step guideC.D. Cal. — file size limitSecond Circuit — dividing an oversized PDFChecked 2026-09-23

  • Indian recruitment portals (UPSC, SSC, RRB, IBPS)

    India

    Published limit
    Varies by notification; documents often 200 KB, sometimes 100 KB
    Target to type (MB)
    0.19 (or 0.09)
    Watch out for
    Always follow the limit in the official notification for your exam.

    Step-by-step guideChecked 2026-09-23

  • Gmail (personal accounts)

    Global

    Published limit
    25 MB per message
    Target to type (MB)
    24
    Watch out for
    Larger files are offered as a Google Drive link instead of an attachment.

    Gmail Help — attachment limitsChecked 2026-09-23

Questions

What if my portal is not listed?
Use the limit shown next to the upload field. Type a target slightly under it — for example 4.8 for a 5 MB limit — and check the result is still legible.
How current are these limits?
Each entry shows the date we checked it against the official source linked below it. Portals change their rules; the limit on the upload page itself always takes precedence.
Is DocuGrip affiliated with these agencies?
No. This is an independent summary of limits the agencies publish, kept with links so you can check each one yourself.