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
Jan 27, 2011, 6:30 pm
#2596
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Vancouver, BC
Programs: UA MM *Gold, Accor Silver
Posts: 1,862
For entering Canada, you're ok. However, you must have your Nexus card to enter the US and as stated frequently in this thread, US officers frequently require you to show your card. If you don't have it, you are pulled into secondary and could very well lose your Nexus privileges. You are required to have your Nexus card with you according to the rules, but only the US seems to enforce this.
Jan 28, 2011, 12:11 pm
#2597
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: YYZ
Programs: Nexus, Global Entry
Posts: 92
In general, I don't push my luck with using the Nexus card as acceptable ID to board a US (domestic flight) even though that too is acceptable ID as per the TSA rule book. I figure that pulling out the Nexus card invites more questions. But I very much insist on using my BC drivers license at TSA when it is not an international flight. It is simply much easier to pull the DL out of my wallet, because I leave my passport in my bag, not wanting to risk leaving it around at some checkpoint.
Jan 28, 2011, 12:31 pm
#2598
Join Date: May 2006
Location: MYF/CMA/SAN/YYZ/YKF
Programs: COdbaUA 1K MM, AA EXP, Bonbon Gold, GHA Titanium, Hertz PC, NEXUS and GE
Posts: 5,850
How would I be able to prove they're lying?
On my Nexus profile I had BOTH my passport and my citizenship card. The citizenship card obviously never expires.
The other day, I went to the US and I didn't have a problem in the Nexus lane but the Agent may very well not seen that my passport expired. I called up Nexus Canada and I was told you didn't need it - travelling by car. I also asked about flying within the US and I was told I did need a passport. When I called Seatac and Bellingham Airport (a common hub for us) I was told only valid ID like drivers license is required. If I am travelling internationally then I need a passport.
Also, from CBSA website which is still confusing:
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/whti-ivho/doc-eng.html
On my Nexus profile I had BOTH my passport and my citizenship card. The citizenship card obviously never expires.
The other day, I went to the US and I didn't have a problem in the Nexus lane but the Agent may very well not seen that my passport expired. I called up Nexus Canada and I was told you didn't need it - travelling by car. I also asked about flying within the US and I was told I did need a passport. When I called Seatac and Bellingham Airport (a common hub for us) I was told only valid ID like drivers license is required. If I am travelling internationally then I need a passport.
Also, from CBSA website which is still confusing:
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/whti-ivho/doc-eng.html
You can always tell them to pull out their book of TSA approved ID, and they will see that Canadian provincial IDs or Drivers licenses are very much listed there. If the agent refuses to get the book, ask for a supervisor.
In general, I don't push my luck with using the Nexus card as acceptable ID to board a US (domestic flight) even though that too is acceptable ID as per the TSA rule book. I figure that pulling out the Nexus card invites more questions. But I very much insist on using my BC drivers license at TSA when it is not an international flight. It is simply much easier to pull the DL out of my wallet, because I leave my passport in my bag, not wanting to risk leaving it around at some checkpoint.
In general, I don't push my luck with using the Nexus card as acceptable ID to board a US (domestic flight) even though that too is acceptable ID as per the TSA rule book. I figure that pulling out the Nexus card invites more questions. But I very much insist on using my BC drivers license at TSA when it is not an international flight. It is simply much easier to pull the DL out of my wallet, because I leave my passport in my bag, not wanting to risk leaving it around at some checkpoint.
Jan 28, 2011, 12:42 pm
#2599
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,187
Had that problem at PBX a few years ago. Followed up with a complaint to Washington. The supreme irony at the time was that the TSA web site showed the NEXUS card as the first of several acceptable government-issued IDs!
Jan 28, 2011, 12:47 pm
#2600
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,187
You're more observant than I...indeed the cards are identical except for the words NEXUS and SENTRY on the message side.
Jan 28, 2011, 12:50 pm
#2601
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,187
Prior to boarding flights in the US to Canada most airlines insist on doing a passport check. Until a year or so ago. Most would not accept the NEXUS card in lieu of a passport, but it seems to now be acceptable.
Jan 28, 2011, 2:07 pm
#2602
Join Date: May 2006
Location: MYF/CMA/SAN/YYZ/YKF
Programs: COdbaUA 1K MM, AA EXP, Bonbon Gold, GHA Titanium, Hertz PC, NEXUS and GE
Posts: 5,850
Document check is a legal requirement. I think most GAs know NEXUS cards now. Of course, they always accept NEXUS cards as proper ID when boarding from Canada to the US.
Jan 29, 2011, 7:01 am
#2603
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Canada
Programs: AA EXP 3.2MM, Hyatt Courtesy Card/Diamond, Hertz #1 Gold
Posts: 764
today's esperience in JFK
I'm a Nexus Member, canadian perm resident, non-candian passport.
did my fingerprints on my original interview back in 2009.
today was the first time trying global entry in JFK T4.
swiped passport, not OK. it says Im not registered into the program.
tried again, nothing. tried with my visa. nothing.
did my immigration process with an agent. and I was lucky enough to discover there's a global entry registration office two steps away when you exit customs.
the guys were amazing, they were very very helpful and with the best attitude. they discovered the link to use global entry was not activated in either documents so they put the link. then we walked through the training machine and everything went fine.
I had my welcome letter to the program printed just in case, they wanted to see so they learn since (as it was discussed before in the thread) it's new for them and only a few people are coming over from nexus to that office.
for those with I-94 process the machine as somebody said before prints an I-94 that you can keep until you leave USA or Canada.
hope it helps.
did my fingerprints on my original interview back in 2009.
today was the first time trying global entry in JFK T4.
swiped passport, not OK. it says Im not registered into the program.
tried again, nothing. tried with my visa. nothing.
did my immigration process with an agent. and I was lucky enough to discover there's a global entry registration office two steps away when you exit customs.
the guys were amazing, they were very very helpful and with the best attitude. they discovered the link to use global entry was not activated in either documents so they put the link. then we walked through the training machine and everything went fine.
I had my welcome letter to the program printed just in case, they wanted to see so they learn since (as it was discussed before in the thread) it's new for them and only a few people are coming over from nexus to that office.
for those with I-94 process the machine as somebody said before prints an I-94 that you can keep until you leave USA or Canada.
hope it helps.
Jan 29, 2011, 8:57 am
#2604
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Earth
Programs: AC S100K (formerly AC*SE), AC 2MM, AMEX Plat, Marriott Platinum Elite
Posts: 1,469
I'm a Nexus Member, canadian perm resident, non-candian passport.
did my fingerprints on my original interview back in 2009.
today was the first time trying global entry in JFK T4.
swiped passport, not OK. it says Im not registered into the program.
tried again, nothing. tried with my visa. nothing.
did my immigration process with an agent. and I was lucky enough to discover there's a global entry registration office two steps away when you exit customs.
the guys were amazing, they were very very helpful and with the best attitude. they discovered the link to use global entry was not activated in either documents so they put the link. then we walked through the training machine and everything went fine.
I had my welcome letter to the program printed just in case, they wanted to see so they learn since (as it was discussed before in the thread) it's new for them and only a few people are coming over from nexus to that office.
for those with I-94 process the machine as somebody said before prints an I-94 that you can keep until you leave USA or Canada.
hope it helps.
did my fingerprints on my original interview back in 2009.
today was the first time trying global entry in JFK T4.
swiped passport, not OK. it says Im not registered into the program.
tried again, nothing. tried with my visa. nothing.
did my immigration process with an agent. and I was lucky enough to discover there's a global entry registration office two steps away when you exit customs.
the guys were amazing, they were very very helpful and with the best attitude. they discovered the link to use global entry was not activated in either documents so they put the link. then we walked through the training machine and everything went fine.
I had my welcome letter to the program printed just in case, they wanted to see so they learn since (as it was discussed before in the thread) it's new for them and only a few people are coming over from nexus to that office.
for those with I-94 process the machine as somebody said before prints an I-94 that you can keep until you leave USA or Canada.
hope it helps.
Almost worth it to go to JFK.
Jan 29, 2011, 4:08 pm
#2605
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: YYZ
Programs: Nexus, Global Entry
Posts: 92
Your description implies that when using GE, one doesn't need the I-94 at all since the machine will give you a new one. Can you confirm this is the case? I am surprised, especially since it means GE and Nexus don't follow the same procedures for foreign (i.e. non-US or Canadian) citizens.
Cheers,
Jan 29, 2011, 4:58 pm
#2606
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Canada
Programs: AA EXP 3.2MM, Hyatt Courtesy Card/Diamond, Hertz #1 Gold
Posts: 764
Yes, the GE machine at the US port of entry when you are coming from overseas will give you a brand new I94 form, as any other normal agent will do. I saw the I94, it is a machine printed slip that says somewhere I94.
GE officers told me I have to give that away when I leave the United states going to international but I must keep when I go to canada for re-entry in US-canada border.
the not-using nexus when you have a valid I94 un canada to US border is another story... I've been going through the normal agent lines in YYZ, announcing myself as nexus to the agent (person). they told me so many times If I have nexus and a valid I94 I need to use the machine, regardless If I have or not registered that I94 in the nexus system.
I told immigration people in YYZ it is not what nexus guys told me during the interview, and they insisted, it is the way to go and they are the ones who knows about immigration rules.
I start doing that 1 year ago, and no problems, even today when they guys in JFK looked at my record everything was in order...
but... who knows !
GE officers told me I have to give that away when I leave the United states going to international but I must keep when I go to canada for re-entry in US-canada border.
the not-using nexus when you have a valid I94 un canada to US border is another story... I've been going through the normal agent lines in YYZ, announcing myself as nexus to the agent (person). they told me so many times If I have nexus and a valid I94 I need to use the machine, regardless If I have or not registered that I94 in the nexus system.
I told immigration people in YYZ it is not what nexus guys told me during the interview, and they insisted, it is the way to go and they are the ones who knows about immigration rules.
I start doing that 1 year ago, and no problems, even today when they guys in JFK looked at my record everything was in order...
but... who knows !
Jan 29, 2011, 5:02 pm
#2607
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: YYZ
Programs: Nexus, Global Entry
Posts: 92
Interesting again. I too was warned during the Nexus interview not to try using a Nexus lane (either land or air) unless the I-94 card had been entered into the system. You're saying I could have saved the 10-25 minutes each time I get a new card that I spent waiting to update it.
Still, if you enter at a time when you don't have a valid I-94, you cannot use the Nexus lane, correct? [I understand that you can do so now when using the GE kiosk].
Thanks for the info.
By the way, I'm looking forward to putting these days of I-94 silliness behind me, since I should hopefully become a Canadian citizen within 6 months or so. The I-94 is particularly annoying when I have to change from B-1 to B-2 status and vice versa.
Still, if you enter at a time when you don't have a valid I-94, you cannot use the Nexus lane, correct? [I understand that you can do so now when using the GE kiosk].
Thanks for the info.
By the way, I'm looking forward to putting these days of I-94 silliness behind me, since I should hopefully become a Canadian citizen within 6 months or so. The I-94 is particularly annoying when I have to change from B-1 to B-2 status and vice versa.
Jan 29, 2011, 5:05 pm
#2608
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Toronto, NYC, somewhere on planet Earth
Programs: UA 1K, AA ExPlat, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 8,289
I'm a Nexus Member, canadian perm resident, non-candian passport.
did my fingerprints on my original interview back in 2009.
today was the first time trying global entry in JFK T4.
swiped passport, not OK. it says Im not registered into the program.
tried again, nothing. tried with my visa. nothing.
did my immigration process with an agent. and I was lucky enough to discover there's a global entry registration office two steps away when you exit customs.
the guys were amazing, they were very very helpful and with the best attitude. they discovered the link to use global entry was not activated in either documents so they put the link. then we walked through the training machine and everything went fine.
I had my welcome letter to the program printed just in case, they wanted to see so they learn since (as it was discussed before in the thread) it's new for them and only a few people are coming over from nexus to that office.
for those with I-94 process the machine as somebody said before prints an I-94 that you can keep until you leave USA or Canada.
hope it helps.
did my fingerprints on my original interview back in 2009.
today was the first time trying global entry in JFK T4.
swiped passport, not OK. it says Im not registered into the program.
tried again, nothing. tried with my visa. nothing.
did my immigration process with an agent. and I was lucky enough to discover there's a global entry registration office two steps away when you exit customs.
the guys were amazing, they were very very helpful and with the best attitude. they discovered the link to use global entry was not activated in either documents so they put the link. then we walked through the training machine and everything went fine.
I had my welcome letter to the program printed just in case, they wanted to see so they learn since (as it was discussed before in the thread) it's new for them and only a few people are coming over from nexus to that office.
for those with I-94 process the machine as somebody said before prints an I-94 that you can keep until you leave USA or Canada.
hope it helps.
I was wondering who the Global Entry deals with I-94s.
Jan 30, 2011, 12:02 am
#2609
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,943
FYI...the GE machines in the offices that are in training mode that you use to walk through the process are not at all connected to the GE system. It's just a demo so you know how to use it. So any passport, whether it's connected to a GE profile or not, will work and it will walk you through the steps regardless.
Learned this first-hand at the SFO GE office earlier this week. The only way you can know for sure that it works in the machines is when you swipe it in an actual machine when you arrive back in the US. Of course, an officer, too, should be able to look you up and confirm you are in the system..
Learned this first-hand at the SFO GE office earlier this week. The only way you can know for sure that it works in the machines is when you swipe it in an actual machine when you arrive back in the US. Of course, an officer, too, should be able to look you up and confirm you are in the system..
Jan 30, 2011, 7:47 am
#2610
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Canada
Programs: AA EXP 3.2MM, Hyatt Courtesy Card/Diamond, Hertz #1 Gold
Posts: 764
I figured this.. I need to try again on live mode.. I'll report back in a few weeks.