I'm actually dual, but this is interesting to note. Just saw on the Global Entry Web site that this is the case. Last I saw, they were still figuring it out. I'm gonna have to check this out now. Cool.

For years I've wasted a boatload of time standing in the customs hall, now apparently I'm in a rush to use Nexus. Yesterday I had my interview (Ft Erie) and was told then and received my approval email.
I was told by a interviewing officer that they used to issue them on the spot but now it takes about a month.
Odd...from something that can be issued immediately to going to another office and taking that long.
Does anyone know about how long realistically it should be before I receive my card?

The only odd thing is that he asked for both the Passport and the NEXUS card.

My guess is that they know you have a Passport, otherwise you wouldn't have been able to obtain your boarding pass.

Several times, the card in the sleeve has been satisfactory (Ottawa is the most militant about wanting to see the card, in my experience).


I'm sure a couple read it on their own time. I know the Travel Safety/Security forum strikes a PR nerve with the TSA, and TSA HQ reads that forum.

I had one of those on-the-spot issued cards....they're rather flimsy and look like any six year-old can make them. Plus, they had durability issues....the print on the card would wear off rapidly.

Probably two weeks.

The new cards have some fancy TSA approved security features. I guess the printer to print them costs too much to roll out to every office. They are produced and mailed out from Vermont (at least for me in Quebec). Should take about 2 weeks.

Well.... CSIS admitted they were...

Not necessarily true, some airlines (e.g., UA, AC) will let you get a BP with OLCI. If you only have carry-on (and NEXUS), then you can easily get to the gate before showing any ID to anyone (or any machine).

Really just a quick semi-random check to keep us all "honest" and (more likely) to make themselves feel useful ;)

I agree - that was definitely my case, as I had not shown my passport to anyone until that point; the sense was much more that he was gently keeping us all honest (hence my somewhat tongue-in-cheek question about whether they read FT). The Nexus rules clearly state that you need both the card and your passport...I roll my eyes at all the questions about "can I just carry my card and not take my passport with me?"

They've grown wise to all the people using TSB Shipping and the like in Point Bob... Every time I've declared something over $50, I've had to pay the tax. Still a better deal than shipping stuff north though.

I received that e-mail also. Does it mean you can enter the US from the Caribbean or Mexico with just a NEXUS card and does that apply to both US and Canadian citizens? If so what are the odds that the CBP personnel also got the e-mail.

Also, does anyone know if a US citizen can enter Canada by air from a country other than the US (assuming you have the iris scan in the system).

yes - and be in possession of a passport.

Yes you can enter Canada from any country and use the Nexus lane. A better question is if I can use the Nexus lane in an upcoming situation I have. My situation is I will be landing in YYZ from LHR then transfering to a flight to CLE.

I know I can clear Canadian Customs with Nexus but can I an hour or so later use Nexus to preclear into the USA?

I've never used it, but isn't there a special area for customs for those transiting to the US from International? I think when you go into the main customs hall A, you're directed way to the left side. At least, as long as you are connecting on carriers that use T1. And even if you did clear regular customs, and then go and pre-clear US customs the normal way, I can't see why you wouldn't be able to use Nexus at both.

Assuming you're flights arrive at & depart from T1, follow the US flag on signs that will allow you to bypass Canada immigration and head directly towards US preclearance, which is NEXUS-capable. However, at YYZ one still must wait for any checked bags to be brought to the connection carousel. Pick yours up if any, and carry it through the US checkpoint.

I wish they all did take place in T1 however all my flights are arriving and departing T3. All skyteam flights.