It is no secret that Canada and France have a history together. Many French professionals migrated to Canada to gain social mobility and religious freedom after World War II. In fact, in a census recorded in 2019, French is the second-most spoken language in Canada, with 22.8 percent of speakers in the Canadian population.

The need to renew your French Passport in Canada if it is nearing its expiration is not impossible, provided that you are a French national. In this article, we’ve gathered the steps outlined by the Consulate General of France in Montreal and consuls across Canada on how to renew your French Passport in Canada. Follow these six easy steps.

Step 1: Book an appointment online

Visit the Consulate General of France in Montreal website to book an appointment online. Remember, they strictly impose one appointment per one passport application only.

Due to the Pandemic, they’ve limited the slots within the day. So book your appointments early. But if you are in a rush or your passport expires in a month, the embassy accepts urgent appointments. You may email them at [email protected]. Make sure that you have provided that you have proof of urgency.

Step 2: Take a photo

Your passport photo must fit the French standards. It should be 35 to 36 mm. Your face must measure from 32 to 36 mm. from your chin to your hairline. It is crucial to measure the photo before submitting it. It must have a plain, light-coloured background such as light blue or light gray because white is prohibited.

Your eyes must stare directly at the lens, visible and open; your mouth must be closed, and your facial expression must be neutral. If you have children, make sure that their face is straight and in the center of the photo.

Glasses are allowed as long as they are not thick, tinted, nor does it block your eyes. The reflection of the glasses must not be visible in the photo. Headcovers are prohibited.

Your photo must look natural. There’s no need to use a high saturation or high contrast filter. A coloured photo is strongly recommended. A crease, fold, or trace may make your photo rejected.

The photo must be taken by a professional or by a photo booth. Here’s a list of the standard-accepted Photographer Studio to help you with your picture to make your life easier.

Step 3: Prepare your documents

Here is the list of the documents you need for your application:

Original Passport

You must also attach your Canadian Residence Permit if it is linked with your passport. If your passport is unsecured and/or has expired for more than two years, you must also bring two (2) back-to-back photocopies of the original passport.

Proof of Address

The proof of address must contain and match your first name, last name, and address. You can use your current bill not older than six (6) months. An electric bill, gas bill, telephone bill, internet bill, housing insurance, Canadian driver’s license, lease contract, or payslip are accepted.

If your French passport is unsecured and/or has expired for more than two years, you must bring an original and a photocopy. If you live as a guest, you must present a sworn statement with a copy of their document identity with proof of address under your host’s name.

Photo ID

Your photo fits with the French Standards mentioned above. It should be taken within the last six (6) months.

Additional Documents for Unsecured and Expired Passport

An unsecured passport does not have a biometric or electronic chip or drawing under the word “passport” on the cover. It is considered unsecured if it does not contain two ID photos; one is a watermark.

Note that they may ask you for more documents depending on your situation. It is safe to prepare your Birth Certificate, French ID Card, or any original valid secure identity card, passport of another nationality (if you have one), or driver's license.

Step 4: Go to the French Embassy at your scheduled appointment

Bring with you the complete required documents. The absence of even just one may result in the cancellation of your schedule, and then you will have to set an appointment again, depending on the next available slot.

Be present at your appointment. If you are renewing the French passport of your child in Canada, they must be present regardless of their age. Since the embassy’s capacity is limited, only one parent can accompany a maximum of two children under 11 years old.

Here are the location details:

Consulate General of France Address: 1501 Av. McGill College 10ème étage (bureau 1000, Montréal, QC H3A 3M8) Phone: 514-878-4385 Fax: 514-878-3981

Remember: No appointments are allowed to be made over the phone.

You must bring your own pen, and wear a face mask at all times. It is highly recommended to be 10 minutes early for the security check and refrain from bringing bulky items.

Step 5: Payment

If you are renewing your French passport in Canada, you need to pay the sum of €96 in Canadian Dollars (approximately $95.78) through a debit card payment such as Interac.

Step 6: Claim your Renewed French Passport

After about eight weeks, you shall receive an SMS or email saying that your passport is ready. You can schedule an appointment to claim your passport personally or ask them to deliver it to your home.

If you choose to pick up your passport, you can schedule an appointment online to withdraw it at the Consulate General in Montreal. You can also book an appointment to claim it at one of the authorized honorary consuls. There is a payment of €8 (approximately $11.11) for this method, payable in cash and Canadian dollars only.

Honorary Consul of France in Sherbrooke François Gitzhofer 5147 Mills St. Sherbrooke (QC) J1N 3B6 Honorary Consul of France in Halifax, Nova Scotia Mr. Robert-Yves MAZEROLLE 5548 rue Kaye, #201, Halifax, NE, B3K 1Y5.

Opening hours: 11am-5pm.

Tel: 902.420.9061 fax: 902.423.6550.

[email protected]

Honorary Consul of France in Saint John, New Brunswick Monsieur Thierry CHOPIN 10, Rivercrest Drive Quispamsis, N.-B. E2E 1W4

Home tel: (506) 849-0136 Office tel: (506) 648-5507 Office fax: (506) 648-5811

[email protected]

Honorary Consul of France in Saint John of Newfoundland and Labrador Mr. Gaël Corbineau Tel: (709) 800-7454 [email protected]

Your passport is also available for withdrawal during a consular tour in Ottawa. Just bring one X-presspost Regional (QC) or National (Ontario / Maritime Provinces) envelope. Bring a standard size 260 X 159 mm for one to two passports. For more than two passports, the size of 318 X 241 mm.

If you wish to have it delivered to you, be registered at Montreal Consular Registry. Just bring an X-presspost envelope in the 260 X 159 mm. standard size.

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