Originally Posted by
xobile
To be honest, I don't quite see the reason why there are differences in the way NEXUS is processed/used depending on the country. Locations that don't take Iris scans right now, which, from my understanding, are generally land crossings run by CBP (as an opposite example, the Peace Bridge crossing in Fort Erie/Buffalo is on the Canadian side and does do iris scans), should implement the technology to do so, as it's a relatively straightforward procedure and the technology exists already, as it's already being used at Canadian interview locations. I wouldn't have even known there was any difference in the types of biometrics taken depending on location if it weren't for Flyertalk. The GOES website only indicates in small print at the bottom of your confirmation page "Special Instructions: Retinal scans are available at this location." As far as I can tell there is no way to see on GOES which locations have retinal scans available without first confirming an appointment--an unnecessary lack of clear information. The NEXUS application page itself makes no mention of any differences in the way the card is used while entering Canada vs entering the US. I'd hate to have only taken my fingerprints, take a trip to Canada, and be rejected by the NEXUS kiosk because I didn't have an iris scan that I didn't even know existed before. Likewise, I know I can travel to Canada with just my NEXUS card, but the Global Entry kiosks are not clear in allowing one to travel with just a NEXUS card back to the US (it is possible, however, though not for Canadian Permanent Residents). All in all the procedures and capabilities of the cards can misleadingly vary depending on interview location and country of departure and citizenship.
I think your comment is completely factual and it's hard to make sense of all the procedures involved. The way I was explained the Nexus program is that it is in fact a Canadian hybrid program that is administered by CBSA to facilitate entry to the US and back. As such, you would sign up in Canada and get Global Entry benefits to accomplish both steps, however you could also add Sentri benefits by adding your vehicle and conducting a separate interview at a Southern POE. As such, the program does not cater to US residents but to Canadians, nor is the Nexus card recognized in the US as a primary ID at non-border establishments. Global Entry is a US program and that's the one that's advertised by CBP. When you sign up for Nexus, you really sign up for Nexus and Global Entry and possibly Sentri if that's what you request, therefore you are dealing with the rules of 3 programs that serve 3 different purposes under one "Nexus" umbrella, which can cause confusion.