Using Nexus Card in the NON Nexus Lane
 

Maybe it's just me. But I am becoming a little annoyed when asked why didn't I go to the Nexus Lane (land crossing) everytime I use the Non Nexus lane going back to Canada. I haven't done this often, but everytime I say the same thing: I don't have my TDC with me. If my passport had not expired, I would use that instead.

Is anyone else using the non Nexus lane with your Nexus card and are you given any hassle?

I recently heard rumours that you now had to / could make an oral declaration in the NEXUS lane. On my last return a week ago, I asked the inspector about this, and he advised that you are now allowed to make an oral declaration at the NEXUS lane, but if it was for more than $15-$20 he would recommend the regular lanes as they would be more likely to waive you through without paying any duties or taxes. (TDCs are still allowed, but at Peace Arch they've removed the deposit box -- you have to hand it in at the booth.)

Apparently, according to the inspector/agent, there is some question about the legality of forcing someone to make a written declaration. I didn't push it, but if that's the case, then what about the declaration cards you get on the airplane?

Nevertheless, the next time I come back with a CD, juice and a muffin, I'll just make an oral declaration at the NEXUS lane.

I was told this in December when making a land crossing. I didn't have my TDC. When I used the regular line, I was asked why. When I explained that I didn't have my TDC the agent told me that it did not matter and that I could have used the Nexus lane and made a verbal declaration.

I also just popped into YOW nexus office where CBP had to manually link the nexus and GE accounts. He didn't know about the stickers but assured me that this would now work.

I WAS told by YYZ CBS agents to do this since with a TDC they must charge tax versus the regular line where they "may" charge tax.

I do get grief but only if I show my NEXUS to cross. I no longer do this. NEXUS to go down and Passports and regular line to come back - mostly because of the stuff we buy.

Can't they tell that you're Nexus anyway when they scan the passport?

Subsection 5(3) of the Regulations Respecting the Reporting of Imported Goods:

Just got the GE postcards in the mail today. Hard to believe the Nexus ID is printed right on the postcard... Just like someone mentioned in this thread before. Are these guys really in charge of security??

Regarding crossing back not using the Nexus Lane, I am curious why you would use the Nexus Card if you are not in the Nexus Lane? Just use your passport or e-DL (if your province offers one). It's true, you get to save on the HST if you are below the $100/person unwritten exemption if you stay 24 hours or less (as opposed to no exemption when filling out the TDC for stays <24 hours).

I almost always cross at YYZ ... in my experience declaring goods in excess of the exemption limits automatically gets me to secondary. That doesn't necessarily mean that they will charge duty/tax, though. For example, in early December I declared about $600 (against the limit of $400) -- the officer in secondary said the tax would less than $30, and please have a nice evening! :)

NEXUS interview problem
 

I could use the help of the folks on this board.

I applied for my NEXUS card in December, and was conditionally approved late in Dec. I scheduled my interview on the GOES site for 1/3 at YVR. However, my flight to YVR was canceled, and the GOES site makes you call the enrollment center to cancel or reschedule an appointment. I called the enrollment site and the call goes to voicemail. I explained on the voicemail that I had to cancel the appointment and got no reply. I called again on 1/10, and also went straight to voice mail, with no reply and no change in the system.

I'm in Ottawa this week and called the Ottawa office (and spoke to a friendly human) to see if they could change my appointment. They said they could see me in the system, but only Vancouver could change my appointment status, and Ottawa can't override it. So I called Vancouver again and got the same voice mail.

Is there any workaround for this? Or am I at the whim of the YVR Nexus Enrollment center's voicemail operator? :mad:

Agree. You don't need a sticker. Just tell anyone channeling people that you are registered in GE and they should give you no hassle. Use the kiosk and it will indicate if you are registered and okay to go -- you'll go to the question screen that matches most of the blue card questions -- if not, you will get a screen message that your passport is not eligible. In that case, just go to the nearest agent...tell them you have a problem with the kiosk. They will process you in the normal way (be sure to have filled out the blue card in advance) and once you are out of the customs hall, turn right and make your way to the Homeland Security office where the person behind the glass will seek out a GE agent who will take care of you. If you do get through with no issue, you can still visit the office to request a sticker.

When you get a Secondary at YYZ upon arrival do they send you in before collecting your bags or after as you go through the final exit check-point?

Final exit, as you leave the baggage claim.

I've read both of the comments regarding the number printed on the card. Both of the cards I received had my number as well.

I'm curious to hear what you think anyone would be able to do with this number? Considering the biometrics and image recognition involved in the clearance process, I don't really think this number means much unless the person stealing it can also steal your iris and face.

OK, this TDC thing for land crossings is annoying. I'm not quite sure why a Nexus card means MORE work for the traveller, yet here we are. :td:

So I'm looking over the online TDC form here: http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/travel-voyage/...tions-eng.html

Do I have to enter credit card information if I am bringing in items within my personal exemption? Does each family member travelling with me need to fill out their own form?