If it was literally only non-taxable groceries, you could have gone through the Nexus lane as there's be no tax, of course.

I once used the Nexus lane on a day trip, the only taxable thing on my TDC was a $10 cable, and I'm 99% sure I wasn't charged tax afterwards. I wonder if they apply the same $20 tax-free limit as with postal imports (anything under $20 is tax free when you get it in the mail).


That's a different case though, the reason is self-evident. I agree with you that there's no requirement to use the Nexus lane, but anything out of the ordinary can lead to a question. Not necessarily the third degree, but if there are 4 cars in every regular lane, and Nexus lane is open, not using the Nexus lane is surprising. Having a reasonable reason helps ("I didn't bring my TDCs" or "I forgot to fill out a TDC" is probably good enough, even if the agent assumes you're doing it in hopes of being waved through without paying.

=aw

Just a quick note on the application process these days (late 2010).

I applied on line for NEXUS on a Sunday night, was conditionally approved on the next Thursday (four days).

I set an appointment for the interview, they were about six weeks out for anywhere I travel to. I threw the paperwork into my briefcase just in case...

I missed an early morning flight in Calgary and had seven hours to kill. I sat in the chairs outside the NEXUS office and was first in line when they opened. Politely asked if they had any cancellations for today, and they said, "Yes, come back at 9:30am." At 9:15 they called me in and started with the TV presentation and the interview process. During that time, someone else asked about an appointment and was told they were full up. So if you want a walk in, you better be there at 8:00am when they open up.

Anyway, I passed, and an hour later had an email telling me my status had changed. I immediately applied for Global Entry on-line and was immediately approved for that too.

The NEXUS card came to the house one week after the interview and approval.

I have been thinking about getting NEXUS and then Global Entry. My understanding reading their websites is that it is cheaper to get NEXUS for $50 and then get Global Entry for free rather than the $100 for Global Entry.

Is that right? What is the downside of doing it this way rather than getting Global Entry directly? (Going to a NEXUS border airport/crossing for an interview is not an issue for me.)

Thanks.

If going to a Nexus interview location is not a problem, there is no disadvantage to the Nexus-->GE.

When I asked the NEXUS office, they said to update it in person (they photocopy your new passport) AND online with GOES.

Have you traveled with your Nexus pass between the time you updated the passport on GOES, and made your appearance at the Nexus office? If so, any issues with either U.S. or Canada?

I think I have, but can't remember exactly. However, I also have the advantage of being a US/Canada dual citizen with both passports on file and with expiry dates in different years, so always have at least one that is valid. Not sure if that fact has anything to do with it, or the fact that updating it in GOES actually changes it in the backend system it checks with when crossing.

I just stopped by the NEXUS office at YYZ... they wanted me to come in even after updating my passport in GOES. Only spoke with the Canadians though, and the CBSA officer took a photocopy of my passport for the CBP officers.

Well, we broke in our Nexus cards this past weekend heading down at the Pacific Border crossing to fly out of BLI. US border guard was very inquisitive asking more questions than we've ever been asked at the regular booths. He wanted to know the reason for our trip, wanted proof we had flights. I showed him our boarding passes as I had checked in online, and then he wanted proof we had a flight home, so I had to pull out our flight confirmation. We've gone over the border many times to fly out of the US and never been asked for all this.

I didn't feel much like a "Trusted Traveler":rolleyes:

We used to go thru the truck crossing as well, all the time. And then it seemed each time someone new would play the 20 questions game. So, for the past year we have been using peace arch exclusively and barely get more than have a nice day! Even during construction I don't think we've waited for more than 5-7 minutes.

I pick up a new passport tomorrow, then on Tuesday cross the border by land before flying out of BUF. Will input the details by GOES but am not likely to get out to YYZ if that's necessary. I changed my drivers license details by phone, wonder if I can fax a photocopy of the passport to the YYZ office? Must also remember to make changes to my airline info file that TSA now requires of travelers in the USA.

To be honest, it seems that this should be an automatic process when either county issues a new passport to a NEXUS cardholder but the passport renewal application doesn't even reference or require the number of a NEXUS card. And if a Canadian holds a NEXUS card why should they not also be eligible to hold a Global Entry card? Or a fast track Trusted Traveler US airport security card?

There's a Nexus office at the Central Avenue exit of the QEW in Fort Erie and on the US side of the Whirlpool Bridge. Either is quick and easy on your way to BUF. BTW from Fort Erie use the Peace Bridge to I-190 South and exit at Elm Street, which becomes NY 33 and goes straight to BUF. As for Global Entry, it's a notation on the record of a US passport holder, not on a Nexus account, so it's unlikely to change.

I was about to say the same. Exit in Central Avenue, pop into the office, do the paperwork and hit the bridge.

Incidentally, my first two NEXUS crossings were Fort Erie to Buffalo and back and both went extremely smoothly. The only reason my USA crossing took 2 minutes was that a guy was talking to the American border guard and asking him questions when I pulled up to the booth.

This is incorrect. The nexus instructions clearly state that for any purchase with the exception of gas you have to fill a TDC, whether your purchases are taxable or not. If you don't have a TDC with you, you have to use the regular lane. If you use the NEXUS lane, don't fill the TDC, are singled out for an inspection and your undeclared groceries are found, your NEXUS membership will be revoked.

Especially if your "groceries" contain fruits and vegetables. I have heard of at least 2 cases of folks getting busted for a single apple or banana.