Did my Nexus renewal on Jan 6th, received conditional approval notice Feb 16. Approx 6 weeks.

I wonder why some renewals are conditional? Mine was approved, unconditionally, on February 6 (submitted Dec 24ish).

I have a bunch of benign things on my US account, probably from past agents clicking around and not knowing what they're doing while updating my documents. In the spring when I added GE to my Nexus, I found out that I had a red flag, the type that one gets when they're denied entry into the US. The agents start poking the one beside them, directing them to look at their screen, whispering to each other, pointing to things on their screen. I was asked 3 times if I was denied entry into the country or if I have ever had any problems. I've never had problems so I answered "no" all 3 times. At my renewal interview, same thing happened. I told them about my spring encounter, but now they also said that my GE was cancelled. I was like ...? I had just used it in the summer and it was fine. In the end they said that something was weird with the system, some screen or info was missing when they click on something. I hope it still works fine when I fly down there again.

I applied on Dec 11, 2011.

Conditional approval on Jan 25, 2012.

Had interview appointment at YYZ on Feb 8, 2012. No issues at interview.

Nexus card arrived in mail on Feb 13, 2012.

Mrs Mapleg applied early December and got her card in the mail a days ago. Took about 7 weeks for initial approval and then she got an appointment at YYZ in about 10 days (actually she booked for April 2012, but a few days later there was a cancellation in early Feb)--she took that interview, and now has her card.

When I went for my interview, the US asked me about the fact I was born in the UK, and was I a British citizen? (as well as Canadian). I told them yes I was also British (since you don't really go around rescinding UK citizenship when you gain Canadian). I told them I did not have a UK passport, and that satisfied them.

I had a very similar experience during my interview in Toronto. The American agent was very rude (complete contrast to the Canadian one), even though both sides asked for my other passport that I did not bring. I also pointed out to the American officer the "OR" on the GOES letter regarding what documents to bring. Then he accused me of trying to argue and said "why can't you just even say you're right?". (I ended up bringing in my other passport the next day so they could make a copy.)

The American officer also asked multiple times if I had used my other passport to travel. The last time he asked, he specifically pointed out "you sure you haven't traveled to Iran? Saudi Arabia?". I'm ethnically Chinese by the way. Because of my background, he also said ("the Asian community...") likes to bring in all kinds of food stuff and they should be declared. I was lectured that anything that I put into my mouth except chewing gum was food and should be declared.

His mannerism and attitude symbolize the worst reputation of US border officers that I hear about a lot but rarely encountered personally. I was quite convinced he used to be in the military. That's the only reason I could think of why he insisted I should just agree with him and said yes he was right no matter what he said.

And in the end, I was complimented for my English skills. I really don't know quite how to take that even know. Should I be thrilled?

I've had my Nexus card for 7-8 years now, last renewed at some point in 2008 I think. I've used it a ton to cross the land border at the Peace Arch, but until last week had never used at at the airport.

At YVR, both the red Nexus machines were out of order, and people were using the two grey GE machines instead. The girl in charge of herding people around in the line had no idea whether I was allowed to use the GE machines, so I gave it a shot and stuck my passport in (thinking that perhaps it would see that I have a nexus card on file and let me through) and it said something to the effect of "Document has expired on June 04 2016", which is the expiry date on my passport. I then realised that the Nexus card has machine readable code on the back as well, stuck that in and got "Document has expired on 02 Feb 2014", which is the expiry date on my Nexus card.

I ended up just standing around looking confused before being told to just proceed and say the machine is broken. The CBP guy wasn't really in the mood to answer any questions, I told him what happened and he just grunted and sent me through.

Anyway, I'm planning on doing a lot more travel to the US by air now, and I'd just like to know:
1-Are Nexus card holders supposed to be able to use the GE machines when the Nexus machines are down?
2-If yes, does anyone know what those errors mean? I recently updated all my info at the YVR Nexus office.

Thanks!

I went to secondary inspection the other day in YYZ and US customs gave me crap because I was using nexus. He said I have to use GE when entering the United States now in YYZ if the GE machine is available.

I've had a similar problem, I thought my documents were updated but they were not. you have to go back to the nexus/ge office and make sure everything is in order, mention to them the errors you are getting and they will figure it out what is wrong.

Iris scan in YUL?
 

I have had a Nexus card for a couple of years, but have not gotten the iris scan yet (did interview in WA state), as I have not been to Canada since I obtained the card.

I am going to YUL tomorrow -- and want to get the iris scan then.
Does anyone know the procedure to do this? Do I go to the kiosk to scan my card first, or is there someplace to get directions to get the iris scan?

You'll have to clear Canadian customs in the non-NEXUS lines (no iris scan means you can't use the NEXUS kiosks). Once cleared, you can proceed to the NEXUS office. I don't know where it is at YUL but the YUL website should have a map, or you can ask your Customs agent where it is when you get to YUL. No appointment is necessary for a retina scan (although occasionally, NEXUS staff say that you do; it isn't true).

Thanks!

After you clear immigration and customs, you will exit into the arrivals area where all the people are waiting for their loved ones (why is no one ever waiting for me? but I digress). Walk straight out towards the exit but turn right when you can, after the store (and I think currency exchange). Walk till the first hallway on your right (you should see the sign for Nexus by now) and there is a door, just across from but before the rest rooms.

Great, I will go there -- thanks for the directions!