eyeNina

I've actually never used my Global Entry to go to/from Canada before but it seems that Nexus & GE work together but are separate programs, correct? Can I use the Nexus lines at YYC if I have GE? And I don't need to bring that card since it's only for land crossings. Should I bring it anyway just in case?

Funny how I know more about flying into countries that require crossing the ocean than the one right above me.

I'm just wondering how much time to allow for Canadian customs so I can schedule a PU accordingly on the Banff Airporter.

Thank you!!

ls17031

You will not be able to use Nexus when entering Canada.

You will be able to use the GE kiosks when departing.

eyeNina

OK. Thanks for clarifying. It's was little confusing since Nexus users get GE from what I was reading but I guess GE does not get Nexus. Kind of a bummer.

Finkface

Nexus gets GE because they are vetted and interviewed by both the US and Canadian authorities and both fingerprints (GE) and iris scan (Nexus) are taken (if you get the iris scan done at a facility equipped to do so). GE membership only involves vetting and interview by the US side which is why it is not accepted for trusted traveller entry into Canada. There has been no vetting and therefore no acceptance as a TT from the Canadian side.

Also, the machines at Canadian entry points are Nexus machines, requiring that the Nexus card be inserted (not a passport) and the iris scan, which GE members have not had. On departure from pre-clearance Canadian airports, the machines are GE, so a passport (not the card) is inserted and fingerprints are used and you are entering the US, which is by whom you have been cleared as a TT.

eyeNina

That makes sense then. I think I will add it via the GOES site and do the iris scan when I arrive in Calgary. I have a friend moving to Toronto so it will come in handy when I go visit more often!

Thanks again for the helpful information.

Finkface

I don't believe you can just 'add' Nexus to your GE and that's it. You do add it in Goes but your eligibility and acceptance must be approved by Canadian CBSA officials and you must interview at a Nexus location with both a US CBP officer and a Canadian CBSA officer. If the location you interview at does the iris scan, it will be done at the interview. If not, then you can go to a Nexus location later for the scan. If that's what you meant by adding it, then sorry for the duplication.

eyeNina

That is what I mean by add it. I submitted the application via GOES. Once approved, I'll schedule the interview and biometric at Calgary where I'll be traveling to/from next month. I've checked the sites that do the iris scan and Calgary is definitely one.

Finkface

I thought maybe that's what you meant but wanted to be sure. Good luck!

N1120A

Of course, the old NEXUS machines didn't require inserting the card and the US used to have their own NEXUS machines, though all of that has changed. The NEXUS machines are even worse for reliability than the originals, which is hilarious.

Just don't completely rely on your NEXUS application being approved by then and their being an open interview. Both can take some time and patience.

eyeNina

It's fine. If not this upcoming trip to Calgary in a couple weeks, then I'll do it in Toronto when I go in Oct. I'm in NYC so even if it's later, my friend is moving to Toronto so it's a pretty easy trip north that I hope to make more often (which is partly why I want to get it.) Worst case - I'll do it in Dec when I go to Seattle for the holidays. Hopefully it won't take *that* long.