Mar 3, 2013, 10:24 pm
Last edit by: TWA884
Current NEXUS Information messages can be found in the following thread:
The NEXUS Information Thread
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..
- As of 17 MAY 2017 - NEXUS members no longer need to complete a paper CBSA Declaration Card (Form E311) when using a NEXUS self-serve kiosk at any Canadian airport where NEXUS is available. (Refer to post #10421)
- 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
Eligibility
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
Archived: The NEXUS Information Thread
Aug 10, 2010, 1:27 pm
#1801
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: YVR SFO
Programs: UA G
Posts: 4,866
Aug 10, 2010, 1:51 pm
#1802
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: YYC
Posts: 4,035
Similarly, Canadian citizen can use the card to get into Canada from anywhere, but US citizens can only use it when crossing into Canada from the US.
To the person asking about GE vs Nexus; the Nexus card is probably the better route; it is slowly replacing/integrating with all the other trusted traveller programs the US is running.
Aug 10, 2010, 1:52 pm
#1803
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: YVR SFO
Programs: UA G
Posts: 4,866
Aug 10, 2010, 3:11 pm
#1804
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: YYC
Posts: 4,035
My recommendation is to apply and once you receive your pre-clearance, look for a seat sale to one of the Canadian cities to coincide with an interview date. As a bonus you can explore a new city for a day or two.
Aug 10, 2010, 6:02 pm
#1805
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 132
I was just recently approved for my Nexus card, and I was given material by the Nexus office at yyz that pointed out the various things that were permitted and forbidden by Nexus card holders. I saw nothing in there about dropping off non-Nexus passengers so they could walk across the border. So why should that be against the rules, and how would the officials know that someone had passengers that left the car to make their own way across the border? This so-called rule makes no sense to me.
Aug 10, 2010, 6:07 pm
#1806
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: YYC
Posts: 4,035
I was just recently approved for my Nexus card, and I was given material by the Nexus office at yyz that pointed out the various things that were permitted and forbidden by Nexus card holders. I saw nothing in there about dropping off non-Nexus passengers so they could walk across the border. So why should that be against the rules, and how would the officials know that someone had passengers that left the car to make their own way across the border? This so-called rule makes no sense to me.
Aug 10, 2010, 8:31 pm
#1807
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,902
Not sure if this rule exists either, but why would it have to make sense? You're talking about the government here, would this be the first rule they had that didn't make sense?
Just to clarify....believe you still need to apply and be approved for GE on GOES before you can use it. As I understand, if you're US citizenship/PR status and fingerprint is in the GOES system, you are auto-approved, if not, you need to do the interview first at a GE station.
Can you explain your last sentence about Nexus replacing/integrating with the other traveller programs. Sure, with GE, but that doesn't mean its worth it for someone who is primarily traveling from the US internationally and rarely travels to Canada.
If you rarely/never travel to Canada, think it would be better to just apply for GE. The $50 extra you pay would save you the cost of a trip to a Nexus office, which with very few exceptions, are at Canadian airports or Canada/US border crossings.
Non-nexus users aren't permitted to use a nexus kiosk/lane at the land border, even if they are traveling with you.
If you are US CITIZEN or PERMANENT RESIDENT you can use your Nexus card at the GE lanes when entering the US by air from anywhere. If you are Canadian, you can only use your Nexus card going into the US from Canada.
Similarly, Canadian citizen can use the card to get into Canada from anywhere, but US citizens can only use it when crossing into Canada from the US.
To the person asking about GE vs Nexus; the Nexus card is probably the better route; it is slowly replacing/integrating with all the other trusted traveller programs the US is running.
Similarly, Canadian citizen can use the card to get into Canada from anywhere, but US citizens can only use it when crossing into Canada from the US.
To the person asking about GE vs Nexus; the Nexus card is probably the better route; it is slowly replacing/integrating with all the other trusted traveller programs the US is running.
Can you explain your last sentence about Nexus replacing/integrating with the other traveller programs. Sure, with GE, but that doesn't mean its worth it for someone who is primarily traveling from the US internationally and rarely travels to Canada.
Nexus is $50 whereas Global Entry is $100. Nexus users now have access to Global Entry lanes when entering by air. Is there any reason why I shouldn't just get a Nexus card instead of Global Entry?
Can I do my Nexus interview at a Global Entry enrollment location (like SFO)?
Also, if I have a traveling companion who is not a Nexus users, any way they can "jump" the line with me?
Can I do my Nexus interview at a Global Entry enrollment location (like SFO)?
Also, if I have a traveling companion who is not a Nexus users, any way they can "jump" the line with me?
Non-nexus users aren't permitted to use a nexus kiosk/lane at the land border, even if they are traveling with you.
Last edited by emcampbe; Aug 10, 2010 at 9:23 pm
Aug 10, 2010, 9:09 pm
#1808
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: YYC
Posts: 4,035
Replace was a poor choice of words, I meant that both governments seem to be accepting it for more and more things (GE in the US, proof of identity in Canada), and I expect that to continue. I.E> Given that SENTRI is a US only program (not joint US-Mexico), I wouldn't be surprised to see them grant privileges to US Nexus holders at that border. IMO I think holding the Nexus card will continue to open doors. Having said that, you're probably right: If you never visit Canada nor intent to, GE is good enough and cheaper then flying to the border.
Aug 10, 2010, 9:30 pm
#1809
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 150
This surprised me. I would have guessed that the Nexus-only Whirlpool bridge would have hardly any traffic and virtually no wait. Is the local traffic around there that bad that it takes 45 minutes?
Aug 11, 2010, 12:36 am
#1810
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Programs: FB Silver going for Gold
Posts: 21,823
So why should that be against the rules, and how would the officials know that someone had passengers that left the car to make their own way across the border? This so-called rule makes no sense to me.
Last edited by YVR Cockroach; Aug 11, 2010 at 1:15 am
Aug 11, 2010, 12:56 am
#1811
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Programs: FB Silver going for Gold
Posts: 21,823
FWIW, here's another thread discussing the topic. Post 11 appears to confirm what I've been stating (and that's the border crossing where I asked so that cold be local rules). Posts on the 3rd page seems to indicate it's still o.k. Contradicting experience at this one.
My partner's former work colleague, weekly commuter from Seattle area to Vancouver, had his membership revoked for a non-member not taking every thing down (must have gotten lazy). Maybe too many such violations so they may have revoked this feature.
Last edited by YVR Cockroach; Aug 11, 2010 at 1:22 am
Aug 11, 2010, 1:08 am
#1812
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Programs: FB Silver going for Gold
Posts: 21,823
The Canadian side also made up a sheet of what food items could be brought across from the U.S. (I think I posted it early on in this thread) such as a maximum of $20 of dairy products, 1 turkey, 20lbs (or something like that) of poultry/turkey parts, 2 dozen eggs....... Not sure if this was supplied nationwide.
I do drop into the Nexus office every few months to pick up new info leaflets just in case there's a change.
Last edited by YVR Cockroach; Aug 11, 2010 at 1:13 am
Aug 11, 2010, 4:47 am
#1813
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 132
Speaking of food, when I was in the YYZ Nexus office Monday, the very nice lady on the Canadian side sternly warned be about the evils of not declaring any food I had on me even if it was just a candy bar. I guess as a Nexus user, one has to be particularly careful about all customs' regulations no matter how petty.
Aug 12, 2010, 4:30 pm
#1814
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
Programs: AC 75K, Hertz Presidents Circle, Accor Gold, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 10,071
Nexus accepted at YEG flythru expess security
Nice surprise to find out that nexus gets me through domestic security faster at yeg!! Definitely not advertised.
Aug 12, 2010, 7:16 pm
#1815
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 3,665
Speaking of food, when I was in the YYZ Nexus office Monday, the very nice lady on the Canadian side sternly warned be about the evils of not declaring any food I had on me even if it was just a candy bar. I guess as a Nexus user, one has to be particularly careful about all customs' regulations no matter how petty.
See line (a), item 5? It makes no sense but there it is.
So, when the inspector found that Mrs. B1 had a cracker in her pocket and I hadn't checked "Yes" on line 11, he went into a rant and gave us a stern warning. Gum also counts as food.