What is NEXUS?
NEXUS is an example of a trusted traveler program jointly administered by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It is designed to expedite the border clearance process for pre-approved, low-risk travelers between Canada and the U.S. It does not replace your passport but rather supplements it by giving you access to expedited lanes and processes at border crossings.
BENEFITS OF NEXUS
How To Use Your Nexus Card
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, a Nexus Card is valid for air travel, travel by land, and sea travel between Canada and the U.S.
The Nexus Card application process can take several weeks to several months, depending on various factors such as application volume and the time required for background checks, which can impact processing times.
Yes, if your NEXUS Card application is denied, you have the option to appeal the decision. Follow the instructions provided in the denial letter for the appeals process.
While the Card is primarily designed for travel between Canada and the United States, it can also be used at kiosks at participating airports when you travel to other countries for expedited security screening. You should always have your passport as well, seeing your card is not a replacement for your passport.
To renew your Nexus Card, you can follow a similar process as the initial application. Submit a renewal application and pay a US$50 fee online, schedule an interview, and provide any necessary updates or documentation. Please remember that your card is valid for 5 years and you need to renew it before it expires to maintain your privileges. You will need your Login.gov account information for the Trusted Travelers Programs (TTP) System run by the U.S. CBP.
To replace a stolen, lost, or damaged card, use your Trusted Traveler Programs account. There is a US$25 fee and you may have to do an interview at an enrollment center.
Citizens of the U.S. and Canada are eligible as well as Canadian permanent residents. Lawful residents of the US and Mexican Nationals who are members of the Viajero Confiable program are also eligible.
Please note that you must have been a legal resident of the US or Canada for at least 3 years unless you are serving in the United States Armed Forces in a foreign country, or are a family member of a Canadian or United States Armed forces member serving in a foreign country or a family member of a member of a foreign diplomatic mission of either country serving abroad.
The benefits are: expedited lanes at designated airports; quicker land border crossings between the US and Canada; use of Global Entry kiosks; and less restrictions for carry-on baggage.
The drawbacks include: US$ 50 application fee is non-refundable; accompanying family members must also have nexus cards; all accompanying people on a boat must have cards – otherwise normal screening procedures apply. Permanent/Lawful residents must have 3-year residency to be eligible. Anyone who is has violated customs, immigration, or agricultural laws may be ineligible.
Applications “may be processed within 30 business days of receipt” but this does not include scheduling interviews, so you should expect up to 12 months processing time, including delivery of your card. In large part this is due to the fact that there may be delays scheduling an interview which may result in longer overall processing times.
It costs US$ 50. It can be paid by the following credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diner’s Club, or JCB. In the States only, you can pay by bank transfer, but not in Canada.
Yes. In fact, you have to apply online by going to this government page and then pay by logging into the Trusted Traveler Programs System (TTP) run by U.S. Customs Border Protection (CBP).
Yes. Your application is reviewed by both Canadian Border Services Agency officers and Customs Border Protection officers and this will determine many of the questions asked in the interview.
Once your initial application is approved, you must schedule an interview through a NEXUS Enrollment Center. You have 3 options: A joint Canada – United States interview at a U.S. land enrollment center; a split interview, at a Canadian land enrollment center and then at a U.S. land enrollment center; a 2-step interview at a Canadian airport enrollment center and then at a U.S. preclearance location at a Canadian airport.
At the interview, both CBSA and CBP officers will ensure the information on your application is still valid. They will then verify your identity and examine the original copies of your documents. Next, they will take a photograph of your face for your card as well as take your fingerprints. They’ll also explain the terms and conditions of your membership in the program and explain how to enter Canada or the U.S. using your card.
Remember when traveling, you may still be subject to a search by officers despite being a member of NEXUS.
The Trusted Traveler Programs System involves several programs run by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that simplify screenings for pre-approved members and improve efficiency and security. There are currently 6 such programs, including Nexus, FAST, and Global Entry.
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