Sep 4, 2019, 2:17 pm
Last edit by: seawolf
Messages posted in the The NEXUS Information Thread between 2007 and 2019 were moved to the:
Archived: The NEXUS Information Thread
Archived: The NEXUS Information Thread
Welcome to the Travel Safety/Security Trusted Travelers Forum Nexus Information Wiki! This resource will appear at the top of every page within this thread to help users learn more about this program.
About NEXUS
NEXUS is designed to expedite the border clearance process for low-risk, pre-approved travellers into Canada and the United States.
The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs & Border Patrol (CBP) are cooperating in this joint venture to simplify border crossing for members while enhancing security.
Program benefits
If you are approved to participate in NEXUS, you will receive a membership identification card to use when entering Canada or the United States at all designated NEXUS air, land and marine ports of entry.
Membership will enable airline passengers to save time by:
- using automated self-serve kiosks in dedicated areas at designated international airports;
- using NEXUS/SENTRI lanes at land crossings when/where available. NEXUS lanes entering Canada will likely have a constant red traffic signal. This is to discourage non-NEXUS members from using the lane. Canada-bound NEXUS land crossing operating hours. All occupants must have NEXUS cards when using NEXUS lane entering Canada. At some locations, the NEXUS lane, the inspection booth is not staffed but there should be a call button. When entering US in a NEXUS/SENTRI lane, all occupants must carry either NEXUS, Global Entry, or SENTRI cards (or any combination thereof). Notable exception is Whirlpool Bridge which requires a NEXUS card to open the toll gate on the Canadian side to cross to the US.
- using the Trusted Traveller Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) Security Line at major and select medium-sized Canadian airports to expedite airport pre boarding security screening. For detailed information, please visit the CATSA Web site.
Join NEXUS
Here are the steps for becoming a member. There is a non-refundable processing fee of CAN$50 or US$50 per applicant for a five-year membership card.
About NEXUS
How to apply
Enrolment process
Key points about the program as found by forum members:
- NEXUS cardholders must advise of ANY changes to their vital information such as passport numbers/validity, visa status, legal names, primary residence, criminal convictions, and employment if it impacts your eligibility in the program.
- It's normal to find the first in-person NEXUS interview to be months into the future, but a little patience and regular checks on the TTP website almost always yields an interview date much sooner.
- Each person who wants to participate in the NEXUS program must fill out a separate application form. There is no fee for applicants under the age of 18.
- If traveling with non-NEXUS family members NEXUS cardholders are required to use the regular customs lines.
- There is a zero tolerance policy and membership can be terminated for infractions including not having your NEXUS card on you and using the NEXUS lane and not declaring items on your customs declaration card, though members have reported some leniency being granted for such infractions in the past.
- Private companies may offer services for submitting your application and charge an additional processing fee but these extra charges are not part of the official NEXUS application fee. Expedited services offered by such companies will not assist in speeding up the application process.
Updating Passport with Canada for NEXUS
As per CBSA website, updates to passport information can be handled on TTP.
Please note that NEXUS members are not required to report to an Enrolment Centre to update or change their passport information with the CBSA.
Some FT members don't trust instructions provided by CBSA and recommend the following:
Call the Canadian Processing Centre with responsibility for residents of the United States:
After going through the phone tree to reach a Nexus representative, advise them that you need to update your US passport with Canada.
The representative will give you an email address and instructions to scan your updated passport picture page (include your trusted traveler number on the scan) and then email it to a particular email address. I was advised to put the representative's name in the email message so that he could process the update on the Canadian side. He confirmed that any passport update in TTP does not reach Canada. NOTE: FT members have been able to enter Canada without any issues by updating passport online only.
He specifically requested that only the telephone number be posted (and not the email address).
In case the telephone number doesn't work, here's the webpage where the phone number is posted: Canada Border Services Agency - NEXUS - General Information
- 800-842-7647 --- Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (Eastern Time)
After going through the phone tree to reach a Nexus representative, advise them that you need to update your US passport with Canada.
The representative will give you an email address and instructions to scan your updated passport picture page (include your trusted traveler number on the scan) and then email it to a particular email address. I was advised to put the representative's name in the email message so that he could process the update on the Canadian side. He confirmed that any passport update in TTP does not reach Canada. NOTE: FT members have been able to enter Canada without any issues by updating passport online only.
He specifically requested that only the telephone number be posted (and not the email address).
In case the telephone number doesn't work, here's the webpage where the phone number is posted: Canada Border Services Agency - NEXUS - General Information
US citizens/residents who have both Global Entry and NEXUS cards and who renew the Global Entry membership whilst their NEXUS card is active, will not be able to renew the NEXUS card until after it expires. The option to do so disappears from the TTP website.
Dear mxzblftspk,
Your NEXUS membership is not set to expire until July 11 2016.
As an approved NEXUS member, you added Global Entry for an additional $100. When you completed your Global Entry application, you received a Global Entry card. When you activated the Global Entry Card, your NEXUS Card was deactivated and the option to renew NEXUS was removed from your account.
If you wish to renew NEXUS, you will have to wait for your NEXUS membership to expire. Once it expires, you will have the option within your TTP online account to renew NEXUS. After you follow all of the steps to become a NEXUS member again, including the completion of an interview at a NEXUS Enrollment Center near the Canadian border, you will receive a new NEXUS card and will have Global Entry benefits at no additional cost.
When your Global Entry account expires 5 years after your application, do not renew it. Global Entry benefits are included with your NEXUS membership.
It is our goal to provide you the best information we have in response to your question. If you follow the information provided in our response, and still need assistance, please reply to this email and we will investigate how we may further assist you.
Thank you again for contacting the CBP INFO Center.
Sincerely,
CBP INFO Center
Your NEXUS membership is not set to expire until July 11 2016.
As an approved NEXUS member, you added Global Entry for an additional $100. When you completed your Global Entry application, you received a Global Entry card. When you activated the Global Entry Card, your NEXUS Card was deactivated and the option to renew NEXUS was removed from your account.
If you wish to renew NEXUS, you will have to wait for your NEXUS membership to expire. Once it expires, you will have the option within your TTP online account to renew NEXUS. After you follow all of the steps to become a NEXUS member again, including the completion of an interview at a NEXUS Enrollment Center near the Canadian border, you will receive a new NEXUS card and will have Global Entry benefits at no additional cost.
When your Global Entry account expires 5 years after your application, do not renew it. Global Entry benefits are included with your NEXUS membership.
It is our goal to provide you the best information we have in response to your question. If you follow the information provided in our response, and still need assistance, please reply to this email and we will investigate how we may further assist you.
Thank you again for contacting the CBP INFO Center.
Sincerely,
CBP INFO Center
The NEXUS Information Thread
Aug 26, 2023 | 11:32 pm
#541
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: SFO
Programs: COdbaUA Platinum 2MM
Posts: 5,599
Ah, but did you read the question carefully, and are you sure the answer to that question is no? You are, of course, correct that only NEXUS members are allowed to use the NEXUS lane going into Canada. But zmb is asking whether, as an approved NEXUS member but before they receive the NEXUS card, they can use their existing Trusted Traveler card going into Canada. The idea is that if the card contains only an index into the Trusted Traveler database (possibly the PASSID number, which doesn't change), and the database record seen by the officer is what matters, then the officer should be able to see that they are, in fact, a NEXUS member. I don't know the answer--would be surprised if anyone here does, actually--but the question is more nuanced than it appears at first glance.
Aug 27, 2023 | 3:56 pm
#542
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Between AUS, EWR, and YTO In a little twisty maze of airline seats, all alike.. but I wanna go home with the armadillo
Programs: CO, NW, & UA forum moderator emeritus. Eurobonus Millionaire
Posts: 38,602
m Canada to the US.
Aug 28, 2023 | 3:59 pm
#545
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: SFO
Programs: COdbaUA Platinum 2MM
Posts: 5,599
I did not attempt to do this when I first received my NEXUS card. I know for fact that you can only have Global Entry or NEXUS, but not both. Once you active your NEXUS card, your Global Entry card will be deactivated or vice versa.
Aug 30, 2023 | 2:13 pm
#546
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Between AUS, EWR, and YTO In a little twisty maze of airline seats, all alike.. but I wanna go home with the armadillo
Programs: CO, NW, & UA forum moderator emeritus. Eurobonus Millionaire
Posts: 38,602
When I changed from GE to NEXUS I was told that my KTN would stay the same and that I could use it. But I was told that by a US CBP official and I'm pretty sure it was in the context of entering the US. To use the NEXUS machines in Canada one has to scan a NEXUS card and the chip # (or whatever identifies the card) is not going to be the same as the same person's GE card so I doubt it will w
rk.
rk.
Aug 30, 2023 | 3:30 pm
#547
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: SEA
Programs: DL Silver Medallion, Avis President's Club
Posts: 222
When I changed from GE to NEXUS I was told that my KTN would stay the same and that I could use it. But I was told that by a US CBP official and I'm pretty sure it was in the context of entering the US. To use the NEXUS machines in Canada one has to scan a NEXUS card and the chip # (or whatever identifies the card) is not going to be the same as the same person's GE card so I doubt it will wrk.
rk.Specifically, I hope to be able to use my new NEXUS benefits to enter Canada at a land border with my GE TTP card, both since I'm going to Canada less than a week after my interview appointment and I won't be home anyways to receive the card. Hopefully the CBSA officer at the Enrollment Center will know if this is possible.
Aug 30, 2023 | 3:35 pm
#548
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 16,136
Global Entry at US airports always requires your linked passport, the machines don't accept TTP cards; but this increasingly doesn't matter with the facial recognition being done now.
Specifically, I hope to be able to use my new NEXUS benefits to enter Canada at a land border with my GE TTP card, both since I'm going to Canada less than a week after my interview appointment and I won't be home anyways to receive the card. Hopefully the CBSA officer at the Enrollment Center will know if this is possible.
Specifically, I hope to be able to use my new NEXUS benefits to enter Canada at a land border with my GE TTP card, both since I'm going to Canada less than a week after my interview appointment and I won't be home anyways to receive the card. Hopefully the CBSA officer at the Enrollment Center will know if this is possible.
Aug 30, 2023 | 5:44 pm
#549
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,998
I don't know the 'official rule' either way, but I would be hesitant to try it. Technically, to use Nexus, you require your NEXUS card. Even if officially approved, without the card in hand is a risk I wouldn't be willing to take. Would be pretty bad to go through the entire process, only to be approved, then have it taken away before you actually use it.
zmb could pull up to NEXUS lane northbound with GE card and nothing pulls up on CBSA display. CBSA asks to see the card and see it is GE and sends OP to secondary. Secondary could decide to give a pass or revoke NEXUS.
What I can tell you for sure is that a GE card (tie to a GE profile) does NOT activate the toll gate to get on Whirlpool Bridge heading to US despite CBP NEXUS lanes accepting GE card.
Last edited by seawolf; Sep 6, 2023 at 7:35 pm
Sep 6, 2023 | 7:25 pm
#550
Join Date: Sep 2023
Posts: 5
Hey all,
I am a long time nexus member but haven't flown from YYZ to the USA for quite a while. Last time I went through USA customs at YYZ they were using the IRIS scanners. My question is what should I expect and how do I use the nexus line to clear US customs at YYZ these days? Are there kiosks where I scan my Nexus card? I heard they use facial recognition now, how and where do I have my photo taken? Lastly are there Nexus lines to clear customs with an actual agent should these kiosks not work?
Thanks in advance
I am a long time nexus member but haven't flown from YYZ to the USA for quite a while. Last time I went through USA customs at YYZ they were using the IRIS scanners. My question is what should I expect and how do I use the nexus line to clear US customs at YYZ these days? Are there kiosks where I scan my Nexus card? I heard they use facial recognition now, how and where do I have my photo taken? Lastly are there Nexus lines to clear customs with an actual agent should these kiosks not work?
Thanks in advance
Sep 6, 2023 | 7:36 pm
#551
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,998
Hey all,
I am a long time nexus member but haven't flown from YYZ to the USA for quite a while. Last time I went through USA customs at YYZ they were using the IRIS scanners. My question is what should I expect and how do I use the nexus line to clear US customs at YYZ these days? Are there kiosks where I scan my Nexus card? I heard they use facial recognition now, how and where do I have my photo taken? Lastly are there Nexus lines to clear customs with an actual agent should these kiosks not work?
Thanks in advance
I am a long time nexus member but haven't flown from YYZ to the USA for quite a while. Last time I went through USA customs at YYZ they were using the IRIS scanners. My question is what should I expect and how do I use the nexus line to clear US customs at YYZ these days? Are there kiosks where I scan my Nexus card? I heard they use facial recognition now, how and where do I have my photo taken? Lastly are there Nexus lines to clear customs with an actual agent should these kiosks not work?
Thanks in advance
CBSA kiosk requires NEXUS card for activiation.
Last edited by seawolf; Sep 6, 2023 at 8:58 pm
Sep 6, 2023 | 7:38 pm
#552
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 16,136
Hey all,
I am a long time nexus member but haven't flown from YYZ to the USA for quite a while. Last time I went through USA customs at YYZ they were using the IRIS scanners. My question is what should I expect and how do I use the nexus line to clear US customs at YYZ these days? Are there kiosks where I scan my Nexus card? I heard they use facial recognition now, how and where do I have my photo taken? Lastly are there Nexus lines to clear customs with an actual agent should these kiosks not work?
Thanks in advance
I am a long time nexus member but haven't flown from YYZ to the USA for quite a while. Last time I went through USA customs at YYZ they were using the IRIS scanners. My question is what should I expect and how do I use the nexus line to clear US customs at YYZ these days? Are there kiosks where I scan my Nexus card? I heard they use facial recognition now, how and where do I have my photo taken? Lastly are there Nexus lines to clear customs with an actual agent should these kiosks not work?
Thanks in advance
And if we're being technical, you don't use the 'Nexus' line to go to the US, it's the Global Entry (GE) line. No card or passport necessary. It is indeed facial recognition....they take your picture and match you, you then go see the officer in the designated lane to finish the process. If it doesn't recognize you (the kiosk has had some trouble with my kids), last time the GE officer sent us to the Mobile Passport line to clear the child the kiosk didn't recognize, and needed her passport there.
Sep 6, 2023 | 7:40 pm
#553
Join Date: Sep 2023
Posts: 5
CBP (US customs) never used iris scanners. US NEXUS kiosk takes your photo and does its facial recognition. So kiosk requires you hitting a "take photo" button on touchscreen while others just automatically take when you are near it.
CBSA kiosk requires NEXUS card for activiation.
CBSA kiosk requires NEXUS card for activiation.
Sep 6, 2023 | 7:41 pm
#554
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 447
FWIW, and this might not apply in this case but I went across the Whirlpool bridge with an unactivated NEXUS card and was not an issue. Would highly recommend NOT doing it, but the guy was pretty cool about it and simply asked me to activate it before going back into Canada.
Sep 6, 2023 | 9:00 pm
#555
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,998