Quick Summary:
- The NEXUS Card provides expedited border crossings for families traveling between Canada and the U.S.
- Families can apply together using a single Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account, streamlining the application process.
- Children under 18 can apply for free with parental consent.
- Interviews are required for all family members, including children, but can typically be scheduled together.
- When traveling, all family members must have their NEXUS Card to use dedicated lanes; otherwise, regular lanes must be used.
Want expert help with your family’s NEXUS application?
Start Your Family’s NEXUS Application Now
Introduction
Family trips across the U.S.-Canada border can be both exciting and stressful. Waiting at busy customs checkpoints, especially with kids, can quickly turn a pleasant journey into an ordeal. The NEXUS Card for families is designed specifically to make border crossings smoother, quicker, and stress-free for families.
Whether you’re heading south for a vacation or visiting relatives in Canada, a NEXUS Card allows families to breeze through dedicated border lanes and airport security checkpoints. This guide clearly explains how to apply as a family, the interview requirements for adults and children, and essential tips for stress-free family travel using NEXUS.
Explore all the NEXUS Card Benefits.
How to Apply for a NEXUS Card as a Family
Families can conveniently apply for their NEXUS Cards together, simplifying the entire application process.
Single TTP Account for the Whole Family
- Create just one Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account for your entire family.
- Add each family member (adults and children) as separate applications within the same account.
- Children under 18 require parental consent to apply but have no application fee.
Documents Required
- Valid passports for adults and children (recommended).
- Birth certificates accepted for children who do not yet have passports.
- Proof of residency and citizenship.
Important Note:
While it’s easier to manage the application from one account, each family member must be conditionally approved separately.
Do Children Need to Attend the NEXUS Interview?
Yes, all applicants, including children, must attend an interview at a NEXUS Enrollment Center.
- At least one parent or legal guardian must accompany minors to their interviews.
- Family interviews are usually scheduled together for convenience.
- Interviews for children typically focus on identity verification, parental consent confirmation, and basic questions to confirm eligibility.
Traveling with Family: What If Someone Doesn’t Have a NEXUS Card?
If one family member does not have their NEXUS Card when crossing the border, the entire family must use the regular lanes. Dedicated NEXUS lanes require every traveler in the vehicle to possess their own valid NEXUS Card.
- Always check everyone’s NEXUS Cards before departing.
- If someone forgets their card, be prepared for longer waits in standard lanes.
NEXUS Card Renewals: Do Families Need Interviews Again?
For renewal:
- Not every family member requires an interview again.
- Typically, interviews are waived for most renewing applicants if there are no major changes to personal information or status.
- CBP or CBSA may request a renewal interview on a case-by-case basis, but generally, if your renewal application is submitted before expiration, interviews are usually unnecessary.
FAQ: Common Family Questions about NEXUS Cards
My child doesn’t have a passport yet. Can we still apply for NEXUS?
Yes. Children without passports can still apply using a birth certificate. However, obtaining a passport for your child is highly recommended, as it simplifies travel and identification.
Is the NEXUS Card free for children?
Yes, applicants under 18 have no fee, but parental consent is required.
Can my family use NEXUS Cards at airports too?
Yes, families can use dedicated NEXUS lanes at participating Canadian airports and TSA PreCheck lanes at participating U.S. airports.
Does having a NEXUS Card affect how long we can stay in the other country?
No. Immigration rules and length-of-stay regulations remain the same with or without a NEXUS Card.
What happens if we forget to declare goods as a family?
Failure to declare goods properly can result in fines, confiscation, or even loss of NEXUS privileges. Always declare goods accurately.
Popular NEXUS Enrollment Centers for Family Interviews
Conveniently located enrollment centers for family interviews include:
- Toronto Pearson International Airport
- Vancouver International Airport
- Niagara Falls Enrollment Center
- Detroit-Windsor Enrollment Center
Schedule family interviews online after conditional approval.
DIY NEXUS Application vs. Our Professional Service for Families
| Feature | DIY Application | Our Professional Service |
|---|---|---|
| Application Management | Self-managed | Managed by NEXUS Experts |
| Appointment Scheduling | Self-scheduled | Coordinated conveniently |
| Error and Delay Risk | Higher risk | Minimal risk, expert-reviewed |
| Customer Support | Limited | Complete family support |
Since 2009, we’ve assisted thousands of families in making their NEXUS applications simple and stress-free.
👉 Start Your Family’s NEXUS Application Today