US and international arrivals come through the same customs area. So yes, you can use your Nexus. For air, you can use it anytime you're traveling to the US and go through US pre-clearence, and anytime you arrive in Canada from a US or international destination.

Awesome. I love getting quick & simple answers from sites like these. Thanks so much :)

Agent collecting the blue cards and Nexus cards before security was also asking to see the NEXUS card at YYZ T1 so seems they are cracking down at both entry points here in Toronto.

Its so weird that they don't have Iris there because of the relative lack of enrollment centers around there (closest iris scans are at YYZ or Peace Bridge, which means a 4 hour drive at least).

That said, I made the mistake of doing my NEXUS interview at the Whirlpool Bridge in Niagara Falls, NY and had to fly into YYZ then get scanned there. Watch out that the line CBSA agent isn't an idiot and asks you something stupid like "why would they give you a NEXUS card if you didn't have the iris scan" as they asked me.

That's weird. 1) I don't see how this is "cracking down" on anything. 2) If your iris scan works then there shouldn't be an issue, so why bother with the card? Are the Canadians now asking to see if you have your passport too, since they technically require it be carried when flying even with NEXUS?

I'm not sure why people make such a big deal about having to show the NEXUS card at the crossing point. Let's not exaggerate here -- this is a compliance check, not a crackdown. It's a clearly stated condition of the program that you must have the NEXUS card with you when you use the NEXUS machine.

It's also commonly referred to as 'layered security.'

I'm likely to be getting a new visa that involves the Toronto consulate; they are also unfolding a new procedure effective Feb 1, and there are some new wrinkles. As I understand it, my passport will be taken to get the new stamp, and it is returned to a UPS center "within 3-7 working days." The challenge is that this could run up against a trip to the US several days after my visa interview.

I have Nexus.

I presume I likely cannot just cross with Nexus and NOT have my passport? i.e. it is absolutely a must that you must have your passport available for inspection if asked (however slim might be the likelihood).

I'm working with an immigration lawyer and he is looking into this as well, but given the font of knowledge here I thought I would ask.

Nexus is a valid form of identification for travel between US - Canada when used at designated ports of entry, either by Air or Land. You are not required to carry a passport when using Nexus.

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/whti-ivho/menu-eng.html

That doesn't reconcile with this:

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexu...uveid-eng.html

So it really would be nice to have a definitive answer.

That notice applies to non-Canadians. If you're a Canadian citizen, then NEXUS is enough so long as you are using it at the designated lines.

How do you figure? It talks about citizens, but is specifically for land and marine entry, and makes it clear a passport is required for air travel.

If flying, you need your passport. If flying and using nexus, you need both your passport and your nexus card.

It's important to note that there are no changes to the entry or re-entry requirements into Canada. While a NEXUS card may be used to board a plane departing the United States (based on a particular airlines' air carrier policy), the CBSA requires that all NEXUS program members seeking entry into Canada by air carry appropriate documentation, in addition to their NEXUS card.

Which goes to my point - I think there is a real lack of clarity. What to do, what to do,.

It seems clear to me. You must have your passport to return to Canada.

Guys, it's not really that complicated.

This is from CBP's website:

In addition, from WHTI's site:

Oh boy, another thread on carrying a passport or not by air. Please ensure you also go back through this thread, it comes up about every 10 pages or so.

By land, a Nexus card is all that is required. That is clear. That's not the way it is with air though.

Note that in addition to the Canada entry requirements listed, in the post above, the line about using Nexus cards specify in conjunction with a Nexus kiosk. And assuming that the kiosk's are available and in working order 100% of the time, then maybe it would be ok. And if there was a guarantee of never getting a random inspection, then maybe you could get away with it. But the reality is, that's not the case. The machines go down (you can see reports of it on this thread). People get sent for secondary inspection (and in secondary, I have been specifically asked for a passport before - I do not even want to think about what the repercussions would have been if I said no, I do not.)

Think of it this way - say you must speak with an officer, and regardless of what the site says, they are insistent on seeing a passport. Might you be able to appeal later. Ok - I'll give the benefit of the doubt here. Could you be blocked from entering the US at that moment (and possibly for a few years in the future) and lose your Nexus privileges. Yes, that almost certainly would happen.

Add to this the fact that most airlines, especially US-based ones, will not accept a Nexus card as ID to board the plane and/or at check in. I have at times been able to board with a Nexus card, but certainly not always. Yes, there is also a line in the post above about this, but note it specifically mentions "based on a particular airlines' air carrier policy." At a minimum, this may take a lot of convincing. I know even UA staff in YYZ will make you show a passport. Even when their OLCI will accept a Nexus number as ID. In fact, one of the UA staff who knows me stated in no uncertain terms that their policy, at least in that location, is that they need to see a passport.


Yes, you might be able to get away with it. And yes, we will all sometimes do what we want to do, sometimes even regardless of advice given against it. IntheairGuy, are you prepared to live with any consequences that may result. I know I'm not prepared to, but really, only you can decide that for you.