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
Jun 29, 2008, 5:29 pm
#377
Join Date: May 2008
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC*SE, SPG Gold, HH D
Posts: 1,130
Ok, so before I get scolded again, I'm looking at taking a bag of coffee down to the US this week (because, quite frankly, the coffee at my office down there SUCKS!).
Am I going to have trouble taking through my bag o' beans while using NEXUS? Should I check it as food on the form? I don't mind going through secondary because, quite frankly, I don't carry much down with me, I just don't want to lose my NEXUS access over some coffee beans!
Am I going to have trouble taking through my bag o' beans while using NEXUS? Should I check it as food on the form? I don't mind going through secondary because, quite frankly, I don't carry much down with me, I just don't want to lose my NEXUS access over some coffee beans!
Jul 1, 2008, 4:16 pm
#378
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: SoCal to the rest of the world...
Programs: AA EXP with lots of BA. UA 2MM Lifetime Plat - No longer chase hotel loyalty
Posts: 6,699
Just...
Buy the same beans on the US side.. .Come on it's likely cheaper anyway 
Jul 2, 2008, 1:31 am
#379
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: YVR
Posts: 9,999
Ok, so before I get scolded again, I'm looking at taking a bag of coffee down to the US this week (because, quite frankly, the coffee at my office down there SUCKS!).
Am I going to have trouble taking through my bag o' beans while using NEXUS? Should I check it as food on the form? I don't mind going through secondary because, quite frankly, I don't carry much down with me, I just don't want to lose my NEXUS access over some coffee beans!
Am I going to have trouble taking through my bag o' beans while using NEXUS? Should I check it as food on the form? I don't mind going through secondary because, quite frankly, I don't carry much down with me, I just don't want to lose my NEXUS access over some coffee beans!
Try taking any food product into the US using NEXUS at an air or land crossing, and your toast, assuming your caught. And you well might be, especially if you declare it.
There was a story recently in the BC press about people losing their NEXUS privilege because they hadn't realized that an orange (for example) had rolled under the seat some time earlier. And they do do checks. A few weeks ago they went through my car at length (and every other car) even though we were in the NEXUS lane.
Jul 2, 2008, 5:55 am
#381
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Toronto
Posts: 227
Not really, so you can still get caught in a back-up that is quite lengthy. However, you can cross at the Whirlpool Bridge (it is north of the Rainbow) that is only for NEXUS pass users. It is a little bit out of the way but can be well worth it if there is a long delay.
Jul 6, 2008, 12:27 am
#382
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Programs: FB Silver going for Gold
Posts: 21,811
Ok, so before I get scolded again, I'm looking at taking a bag of coffee down to the US this week (because, quite frankly, the coffee at my office down there SUCKS!).
There was a story recently in the BC press about people losing their NEXUS privilege because they hadn't realized that an orange (for example) had rolled under the seat some time earlier.
Jul 7, 2008, 11:58 am
#383
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Ottawa
Posts: 8,564
There was a story recently in the BC press about people losing their NEXUS privilege because they hadn't realized that an orange (for example) had rolled under the seat some time earlier.
=aw
Jul 7, 2008, 12:10 pm
#384
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Ottawa
Posts: 8,564
Questions re: TDCs
I'm confused about the TDCs. Are all the following statements correct? If not, which and why?
1. Entering by land through a Nexus lane, if you have _any_ goods to declare, even under your duty-free limit, you must fill out a TDC and drop it in the box.
2. Entering by air using a Nexus kiosk, if you have goods to declare and are under your duty-free limit, you do not need to fill out a TDC.
3. Entering by air using a Nexus kiosk, if you have goods to declare and are over your duty-free limit, you can choose not to fill out a TDC, answer "yes" to the 2nd question on the kiosk, will have a card from the kiosk with "$$$" on it, and should visit the cashier (in the baggage area) where you may or may not be required to pay.
4. Entering by air using a Nexus kiosk, if you have goods to declare and are over your duty-free limit, you can choose to fill out a TDC and drop it in the box next to the kiosks. You still check "yes" on the customs card, answer "yes" to the 2nd question on the kiosk, and will have a card from the kiosk with "$$$" on it. How do you prove to the agent that you dropped the TDC in the box next to the kiosk?
Thanks!
=aw
1. Entering by land through a Nexus lane, if you have _any_ goods to declare, even under your duty-free limit, you must fill out a TDC and drop it in the box.
2. Entering by air using a Nexus kiosk, if you have goods to declare and are under your duty-free limit, you do not need to fill out a TDC.
3. Entering by air using a Nexus kiosk, if you have goods to declare and are over your duty-free limit, you can choose not to fill out a TDC, answer "yes" to the 2nd question on the kiosk, will have a card from the kiosk with "$$$" on it, and should visit the cashier (in the baggage area) where you may or may not be required to pay.
4. Entering by air using a Nexus kiosk, if you have goods to declare and are over your duty-free limit, you can choose to fill out a TDC and drop it in the box next to the kiosks. You still check "yes" on the customs card, answer "yes" to the 2nd question on the kiosk, and will have a card from the kiosk with "$$$" on it. How do you prove to the agent that you dropped the TDC in the box next to the kiosk?
Thanks!
=aw
Jul 7, 2008, 1:22 pm
#385
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: YUL
Programs: AC SE
Posts: 2,103
I'm confused about the TDCs. Are all the following statements correct? If not, which and why?
1. Entering by land through a Nexus lane, if you have _any_ goods to declare, even under your duty-free limit, you must fill out a TDC and drop it in the box.
2. Entering by air using a Nexus kiosk, if you have goods to declare and are under your duty-free limit, you do not need to fill out a TDC.
3. Entering by air using a Nexus kiosk, if you have goods to declare and are over your duty-free limit, you can choose not to fill out a TDC, answer "yes" to the 2nd question on the kiosk, will have a card from the kiosk with "$$$" on it, and should visit the cashier (in the baggage area) where you may or may not be required to pay.
4. Entering by air using a Nexus kiosk, if you have goods to declare and are over your duty-free limit, you can choose to fill out a TDC and drop it in the box next to the kiosks. You still check "yes" on the customs card, answer "yes" to the 2nd question on the kiosk, and will have a card from the kiosk with "$$$" on it. How do you prove to the agent that you dropped the TDC in the box next to the kiosk?
Thanks!
=aw
1. Entering by land through a Nexus lane, if you have _any_ goods to declare, even under your duty-free limit, you must fill out a TDC and drop it in the box.
2. Entering by air using a Nexus kiosk, if you have goods to declare and are under your duty-free limit, you do not need to fill out a TDC.
3. Entering by air using a Nexus kiosk, if you have goods to declare and are over your duty-free limit, you can choose not to fill out a TDC, answer "yes" to the 2nd question on the kiosk, will have a card from the kiosk with "$$$" on it, and should visit the cashier (in the baggage area) where you may or may not be required to pay.
4. Entering by air using a Nexus kiosk, if you have goods to declare and are over your duty-free limit, you can choose to fill out a TDC and drop it in the box next to the kiosks. You still check "yes" on the customs card, answer "yes" to the 2nd question on the kiosk, and will have a card from the kiosk with "$$$" on it. How do you prove to the agent that you dropped the TDC in the box next to the kiosk?
Thanks!
=aw
1 True
2 True
3 True
4 TDC box next to the kiosk? I have never seen one. I recall a while back their was talk of using the TDC at the airport in such a case, but I have no idea how / where to do so.
I find the whole TDC book confusing and poorly planned out. I see no reason why I need to group and itemize my under-exemption level purchases when traveling by car.
Jul 7, 2008, 1:29 pm
#386
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Ottawa
Posts: 8,564
Thanks. #4 is a silver box that looks like a mailbox (not any specific country's). They have them at YYZ. I should have been more specific, there's one silver box next to the bank of 3 Nexus kiosks on the right side of the hall at YYZ. Assume another one on the other.
Can anyone comment on use of this box?
Oh, and if you don't use a TDC, if you take your $$$ card to the cashier, do they ever/often waive the fee? I guess you go there first, before trying to leave. Can you go to the cashier after using Nexus while waiting for your bags to appear or do you have to get your bags first?
Thanks!
=aw
Can anyone comment on use of this box?
Oh, and if you don't use a TDC, if you take your $$$ card to the cashier, do they ever/often waive the fee? I guess you go there first, before trying to leave. Can you go to the cashier after using Nexus while waiting for your bags to appear or do you have to get your bags first?
Thanks!
=aw
Jul 7, 2008, 1:31 pm
#387
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Programs: FB Silver going for Gold
Posts: 21,811
Passed through a week ago. The lane does look "set up" but there was a hand-written piece of paper over the antenna telling you to drive to the booth. Maybe it's all there for looks but isn't functional.
Jul 7, 2008, 1:52 pm
#388
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: YUL
Programs: AC SE
Posts: 2,103
Thanks. #4 is a silver box that looks like a mailbox (not any specific country's). They have them at YYZ. I should have been more specific, there's one silver box next to the bank of 3 Nexus kiosks on the right side of the hall at YYZ. Assume another one on the other.
Can anyone comment on use of this box?
Oh, and if you don't use a TDC, if you take your $$$ card to the cashier, do they ever/often waive the fee? I guess you go there first, before trying to leave. Can you go to the cashier after using Nexus while waiting for your bags to appear or do you have to get your bags first?
Thanks!
=aw
Can anyone comment on use of this box?
Oh, and if you don't use a TDC, if you take your $$$ card to the cashier, do they ever/often waive the fee? I guess you go there first, before trying to leave. Can you go to the cashier after using Nexus while waiting for your bags to appear or do you have to get your bags first?
Thanks!
=aw
In general, I arrange my affairs to never require me to declare an amount over the limits. I find that the easiest. With 400$ at 48 hrs and 750 for a week I'm usually fine.
I have not seen the TDC drop boxes at YUL. It would be smart if the TDC had a carbon copy to show at exit.
Jul 7, 2008, 2:08 pm
#389
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Ottawa
Posts: 8,564
Me too, re: going over limits. Some friends are going on an extended vacation in Europe so are expecting to bring back a lot.
The TDCs actually have a carbonless copy.
=aw
The TDCs actually have a carbonless copy.
=aw