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
Nov 12, 2022, 1:03 pm
#391
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,636
You are still supposed to update all docs at an enrollment center, I think, as the ttp website is US, and I'm not sure if the info. processes over - either a bug or more likely, on purpose (not legally able to share across government agencies from another country?). I have always, always, always been told to update my docs at an enrollment center - by the Canadian officers.
That said, not sure how it is being handled these days due to the Canadian offices still being closed, and I suspect these are the offices a majority of Nexus members use. It could just as easily been a bug?
That said, not sure how it is being handled these days due to the Canadian offices still being closed, and I suspect these are the offices a majority of Nexus members use. It could just as easily been a bug?
Last time a CBSA officer has touched/seen my passport were two expired passports ago. No issues in Air/Land mode in either direction.
Nov 12, 2022, 2:18 pm
#392
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,884
everyone has their own thing, and if you’ve made it through without the in-person updates and been fine, that’s great. Even with two passports, so twice as much of a PITA, I’d rather take the 10 minutes twice every 10 years to do this in-person vs. get in trouble later (certainly I’d have an argument by reading off the website, but I’d suspect that’s mot going to convince an officer set in their ways). We also have folks on here who seem to be content to travel with only their Nexus card and not a passport, but I’d never do that either. As an example, arriving at YYZ last week, used the eGate, got directed to a booth where an officer asked for my passport - I didn’t pushback, and dug into my bag and got it - maybe he would have been ok with Nexus card only, but again, not an argument I want to have. Just gave it to him and was waved through. Have no idea why the need to see an officer, but there are days like that.
Nov 13, 2022, 2:08 am
#393
Join Date: Jun 2014
Programs: EY
Posts: 852
Passports are also required even if holding NEXUS, in Canadian airports that do not have preclearance, like Toronto Island. Certain airlines like AA in my experience require passports to be shown for flights departing from the US, not sure if AC asks for that. On a side note, US permanent resident cards seem to be requested by land border agents for LPR GE/Nexus holders as well. Just a glance though, not sure if they can or should use the Nexus lane and initially *only* give the LPR card.
Nov 13, 2022, 10:31 am
#394
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,636
While the website does indeed say that, every Canadian officer I have talked to has said they require it to be done in person, including at every renewal (I hear lots of people say they get renewals without a required interview - I have always needed one though). While I’d like to believe the website is correct, I’d rather be safe than sorry, so I update on TTP website right after I get new passport, then go into the office as soon as feasible (and have never had anybody ask why I was bothering in person).
everyone has their own thing, and if you’ve made it through without the in-person updates and been fine, that’s great. Even with two passports, so twice as much of a PITA, I’d rather take the 10 minutes twice every 10 years to do this in-person vs. get in trouble later (certainly I’d have an argument by reading off the website, but I’d suspect that’s mot going to convince an officer set in their ways). We also have folks on here who seem to be content to travel with only their Nexus card and not a passport, but I’d never do that either. As an example, arriving at YYZ last week, used the eGate, got directed to a booth where an officer asked for my passport - I didn’t pushback, and dug into my bag and got it - maybe he would have been ok with Nexus card only, but again, not an argument I want to have. Just gave it to him and was waved through. Have no idea why the need to see an officer, but there are days like that.
everyone has their own thing, and if you’ve made it through without the in-person updates and been fine, that’s great. Even with two passports, so twice as much of a PITA, I’d rather take the 10 minutes twice every 10 years to do this in-person vs. get in trouble later (certainly I’d have an argument by reading off the website, but I’d suspect that’s mot going to convince an officer set in their ways). We also have folks on here who seem to be content to travel with only their Nexus card and not a passport, but I’d never do that either. As an example, arriving at YYZ last week, used the eGate, got directed to a booth where an officer asked for my passport - I didn’t pushback, and dug into my bag and got it - maybe he would have been ok with Nexus card only, but again, not an argument I want to have. Just gave it to him and was waved through. Have no idea why the need to see an officer, but there are days like that.
Passports are also required even if holding NEXUS, in Canadian airports that do not have preclearance, like Toronto Island. Certain airlines like AA in my experience require passports to be shown for flights departing from the US, not sure if AC asks for that. On a side note, US permanent resident cards seem to be requested by land border agents for LPR GE/Nexus holders as well. Just a glance though, not sure if they can or should use the Nexus lane and initially *only* give the LPR card.
Last edited by seawolf; Nov 13, 2022 at 10:41 am
Nov 13, 2022, 3:56 pm
#395
Join Date: May 2013
Location: New York
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott LTPP, Hertz Five Star
Posts: 1,079
Commenting with a (possible) disclaimer that things may have changed.
In 2017 I was told that passport was good via the old site (before the new TTP site launched), pretty much anything else was enrollment center time.
Anything that isn't an update of an existing passport or residence address I would expect adding as having issues.
I haven't been to YYZ eGate changes since either my NEXUS or Canadian passport photos were taken, but I'd guess I'd be denied based on changes to physical appearance. The old kiosks were a bit of a pain, but the iris is more distinctive than facial recognition.
My experience in 2016/2017 was that enrollment center updates were basically invisible to CBSA staff at the actual point of entry and the computer determines it. I kept getting referred to IMM-1-1 on NEXUS as my Canadian work permit expired. IMM-1-1 would get me and be absolutely clueless as to why I was referred. It wasn't until I got a new work permit that YYZ NEXUS office said "oh yeah that's an automatic secondary check, let's get that off your record." When I mentioned that I was awaiting my Canadian passport they told me that the expired record remained on until removed for temporary documents (work auth instead of a citizenship) and I needed to make sure it got removed on a return visit
I tried to fly on WestJet on my NEXUS card alone - 0/10 would not recommend. Totally agreed. An example of letter of the law not meeting the practical reality.
CBSA website has for years indicated only certain docs required in person updates. Passport being merely expired is not one of them. Change in citizenship yes.
Last time a CBSA officer has touched/seen my passport were two expired passports ago. No issues in Air/Land mode in either direction.
Last time a CBSA officer has touched/seen my passport were two expired passports ago. No issues in Air/Land mode in either direction.
Anything that isn't an update of an existing passport or residence address I would expect adding as having issues.
As an example, arriving at YYZ last week, used the eGate, got directed to a booth where an officer asked for my passport - I didn’t pushback, and dug into my bag and got it - maybe he would have been ok with Nexus card only, but again, not an argument I want to have. Just gave it to him and was waved through. Have no idea why the need to see an officer, but there are days like that.
CBSA documents indicate different roles have different levels of access (eg secondary inspection have more access than primary). Based on prior success data points (eg no issue with NEXUS if expired passport updated online only), it is very possible the enrollment centre CBSA officers are absolutely correct in that they (eg enrollment centre) don't get document updates from TTP site but that's ok because they have no need for it (other than at final interview). All that matters is primary/secondary officers seeing the TTP updates.
Yes it is the airline than often apply more stringent requirements. From a regulation perspective NEXUS air traveler is passport exempt as well as it is possible to apply for NEXUS without passport (just need other proof of citizenship to support the application). But between standing your ground against gate agent or bringing your passport, it is not worth the hassle.
Nov 14, 2022, 12:34 pm
#396
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,322
With 4 weeks to go into expiry, and things not looking great for a convenient interview in Canada, I bought a ticket to DTW, scheduled an interview, and bought another ticket to YYZ, for Christmas (after expiry, but the only convenient time I'd have).
This morning, my application gets approved.
So yay, this is definitely better. But now I'm going to have a large United credit to use.
This morning, my application gets approved.
So yay, this is definitely better. But now I'm going to have a large United credit to use.
Nov 14, 2022, 1:50 pm
#397
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,884
With 4 weeks to go into expiry, and things not looking great for a convenient interview in Canada, I bought a ticket to DTW, scheduled an interview, and bought another ticket to YYZ, for Christmas (after expiry, but the only convenient time I'd have).
This morning, my application gets approved.
So yay, this is definitely better. But now I'm going to have a large United credit to use.
This morning, my application gets approved.
So yay, this is definitely better. But now I'm going to have a large United credit to use.
sort of wondering if once my pre-approval gets completed, if it’s worth booking an appointment there to see if that happens for me. In all the years since people have been getting no interview renewals, I personally have never had that happen (and have had Nexus since right after it came out of pilot - CANPASS prior to that).
Wondering about my 7yo daughter, who has been pre-approved and needs an interview. Not sure if they will approve minors without an interview (if for no other reason than they probably want a photo of her again since her last one was when she was 1yo).
we are in bay-area now, and over all the years, have always just booked appointments at YYZ since that’s the place we are with an office most frequently. In fact, was there last week - something’s gotta give with the Canada Nexus office openings. Otherwise, not sure how Nexus can continue in its current form.
Nov 15, 2022, 1:16 pm
#398
Join Date: Jul 2022
Programs: Aeroplan
Posts: 8
Hi all - I finally completed my enrollment in August (applied in January 2020) and about to use NEXUS for the first time next week when I travel overseas and back (not the US). A couple of practical questions:
1. The CBSA officer at my interview mentioned something about having to go to the kiosk the first time you return to Canada and go through customs, in order to set up a "profile", rather than going through the e-gates. I assume you don't have to do that if you create a profile on ArriveCAN. Is anyone able to verify?
2. How does one access the TSA Pre security lines? Is it just a matter of showing your NEXUS card?
3. Unrelated to upcoming travel, but I did my interview at Whirlpool Bridge, where they don't have the biometric scanning capability. The CBSA agent mentioned (I believe) that you don't need the scan to be done in order to use NEXUS at US Preclearance in Canada. Is that accurate? Or did I misunderstand her?
Thanks a lot for your help!
1. The CBSA officer at my interview mentioned something about having to go to the kiosk the first time you return to Canada and go through customs, in order to set up a "profile", rather than going through the e-gates. I assume you don't have to do that if you create a profile on ArriveCAN. Is anyone able to verify?
2. How does one access the TSA Pre security lines? Is it just a matter of showing your NEXUS card?
3. Unrelated to upcoming travel, but I did my interview at Whirlpool Bridge, where they don't have the biometric scanning capability. The CBSA agent mentioned (I believe) that you don't need the scan to be done in order to use NEXUS at US Preclearance in Canada. Is that accurate? Or did I misunderstand her?
Thanks a lot for your help!
Nov 15, 2022, 5:02 pm
#399
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,322
Seems like I'll be getting a US passport shortly. Especially given the huge pain of getting to a NEXUS EC, what do I actually have to do to ensure I can keep using my benefits?
1. No, it's completely unrelated. Use a kiosk first.
2. Use your PASS ID from the card as your KTN in your booking.
3. GE should just work.
Hi all - I finally completed my enrollment in August (applied in January 2020) and about to use NEXUS for the first time next week when I travel overseas and back (not the US). A couple of practical questions:
1. The CBSA officer at my interview mentioned something about having to go to the kiosk the first time you return to Canada and go through customs, in order to set up a "profile", rather than going through the e-gates. I assume you don't have to do that if you create a profile on ArriveCAN. Is anyone able to verify?
2. How does one access the TSA Pre security lines? Is it just a matter of showing your NEXUS card?
3. Unrelated to upcoming travel, but I did my interview at Whirlpool Bridge, where they don't have the biometric scanning capability. The CBSA agent mentioned (I believe) that you don't need the scan to be done in order to use NEXUS at US Preclearance in Canada. Is that accurate? Or did I misunderstand her?
Thanks a lot for your help!
1. The CBSA officer at my interview mentioned something about having to go to the kiosk the first time you return to Canada and go through customs, in order to set up a "profile", rather than going through the e-gates. I assume you don't have to do that if you create a profile on ArriveCAN. Is anyone able to verify?
2. How does one access the TSA Pre security lines? Is it just a matter of showing your NEXUS card?
3. Unrelated to upcoming travel, but I did my interview at Whirlpool Bridge, where they don't have the biometric scanning capability. The CBSA agent mentioned (I believe) that you don't need the scan to be done in order to use NEXUS at US Preclearance in Canada. Is that accurate? Or did I misunderstand her?
Thanks a lot for your help!
2. Use your PASS ID from the card as your KTN in your booking.
3. GE should just work.
Nov 15, 2022, 5:31 pm
#400
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 204
Nov 15, 2022, 6:11 pm
#401
Join Date: Nov 2022
Posts: 2
I'm in the process of applying for Nexus and ran into an issue. I was self-employed for many years and one of the companies I worked for as a contractor doesn't have a phone number. What should I enter in the application, as it is a mandatory field? I already contacted the company and they rejected my request for a number I could list.
Thanks in advance! I'm Canadian if that makes a difference. The company is based out of Hong Kong.
Thanks in advance! I'm Canadian if that makes a difference. The company is based out of Hong Kong.
Nov 17, 2022, 3:30 pm
#402
Join Date: Jun 2014
Programs: EY
Posts: 852
Maybe an unpopular response and I'm not sure if it's mandatory, but I would just list that number that you wanted to for that company. There's about a 0.000001% chance they actually call it. The Hong Kong office won't really know what you are talking about and perhaps though it was for an immigration thing. If you have a Canadian number for the company, maybe list that.
Nov 20, 2022, 2:23 pm
#403
Join Date: Nov 2022
Posts: 2
Nov 21, 2022, 6:29 am
#404
Join Date: Jun 2014
Programs: EY
Posts: 852
At this point I'd be slightly unethical and either list a fake number ('sorry it was valid when i entered it' or a Google Voice number that goes to you ('I'm the manager there') I don't know if there's an option for you to not list a number. Or if you have any point of contact in the company (old colleague) just list that number. Some may say it's unethical but it is either that or not getting a ttp membership over the most minor of things. It's not like you even need to be employed to be eligible for the program (students/housewives), it's really for them to see if you are working a job like trucking that would be better suited for a FAST membership
Nov 21, 2022, 10:56 am
#405
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: SW Michigan, ex SF Bay Area
Posts: 831
Maybe not list that company? If it comes up at the interview, you can tell them about it and say you tried to enter it on the application but were unable because it wouldn't let you do so without a phone number. Or list it and put an obviously fake phone number, like 000-000-0000 and see if the form accepts it.