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
Jul 7, 2008, 4:21 pm
#391
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC E75K, Amex Plat, NEXUS, Aman-user (not really a -junkie)
Posts: 1,721
we weren't given any TDCs as we were only going to use NEXUS AIR... officer indicated that these were just for people at road crossings...
Jul 8, 2008, 2:41 am
#392
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: YVR
Posts: 9,999
Snacks are o.k...
But the latest on-line user's guide simply notes that you may "import" items by declaring them. The only problem, small as it might be, is that most of the time when I pull up to the booth the agent simply says something like "Enjoy your trip" or "Thank you." I suppose you'd still be best off by saying "BUT... I need to declare the following items."
In any case, you're always better off declaring something, even if they don't care. I one time (regular lanes) had the remains of a hamburger that I declared. The agent asked me if I was going to eat the rest of it (no) and then just tossed it in the agricultural waste bin.
Jul 8, 2008, 8:06 am
#393
Join Date: Jan 2006
Programs: MAM Senator, Flying Blue Platinum, Delta Platinum
Posts: 42
Well I just had one of the WORST experiences with NEXUS...i applied in June got accepted within 3 days made my appointment for today in YUL as I had a flight going back to the U.S. I got here and went through the Canadians first who had no problems, they took my iris scan, issued my card then told me to wait outside for the U.S customs agent, I get called in to find the MOST OBNOXIOUS man I have ever dealt with, he began by telling me that he didn't think I should be approved because I was 19 and he believed I would try to smuggle things into the country and besides "I don't want any 19 year old using MY NEXUS lane"...I assured him that that was not my intention and that I wanted it simply because I travel often, He followed it by why are you a US citizen anyway? you were born Canadian...how did you obtain citizenship... he then told me that 2 round trips per month is not enough to to need nexus, followed by "how long do you wait in line anyway....25 minutes??..and you call that an inconvenience? besides...NEXUS is for travelers that are trusted..." He then questioned me on why I would spend money to fly when I could drive to which I responded that I preferred flying, "yes but with ticket prices...i don't understand why you wouldn't simply drive with your family" he then took down my parents names, kicked me out, and came back after about 10 minutes and announced to a room full of waiting people that there was "no way in hell he could accept me into the program" I was embarrassed and quite frankly, completely baffled as to why I would not only be rejected, but treated that way....is this normal treatment...few minutes later I got an email saying I have been declined reason being "mistakenly accepted"
Jul 8, 2008, 8:59 am
#394
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: YUL
Programs: AC SE
Posts: 2,103
Well I just had one of the WORST experiences with NEXUS...i applied in June got accepted within 3 days made my appointment for today in YUL as I had a flight going back to the U.S. I got here and went through the Canadians first who had no problems, they took my iris scan, issued my card then told me to wait outside for the U.S customs agent, I get called in to find the MOST OBNOXIOUS man I have ever dealt with, he began by telling me that he didn't think I should be approved because I was 19 and he believed I would try to smuggle things into the country and besides "I don't want any 19 year old using MY NEXUS lane"...I assured him that that was not my intention and that I wanted it simply because I travel often, He followed it by why are you a US citizen anyway? you were born Canadian...how did you obtain citizenship... he then told me that 2 round trips per month is not enough to to need nexus, followed by "how long do you wait in line anyway....25 minutes??..and you call that an inconvenience? besides...NEXUS is for travelers that are trusted..." He then questioned me on why I would spend money to fly when I could drive to which I responded that I preferred flying, "yes but with ticket prices...i don't understand why you wouldn't simply drive with your family" he then took down my parents names, kicked me out, and came back after about 10 minutes and announced to a room full of waiting people that there was "no way in hell he could accept me into the program" I was embarrassed and quite frankly, completely baffled as to why I would not only be rejected, but treated that way....is this normal treatment...few minutes later I got an email saying I have been declined reason being "mistakenly accepted"
Jul 8, 2008, 9:11 am
#395
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Programs: FB Silver going for Gold
Posts: 21,799
Hmmm... when I enrolled, several years ago, both the Canadian and particularly the US officials, not to mention the user's guide they handed out then, were quite specific. You simply were not allowed to take any kind of food across the border when using your NEXUS pass. One agent even suggest not brining bottled water as that might be considered a food product.
[*]No fresh fruit of any kind in any form[*]No meat or eggs with the exception of: You may bring in a meat sandwich or a fully cooked prepared meal for lunch. Such as: a serving of meat loaf or roast for a meal or cooked eggs such as an egg salad or a hardboiled egg.[*]Canned food, bakery goods, milk, cheese, yogurt are allowed.[*]Above items are in amounts normally consumed for a single meal. Examples of amounts above that would be. {Entry about excessive amounts omitted} If you intend to eat these items you may bring in the sausage or the ham in a sandwich or other form only in the amount reasonable for your consumption for that day.
Jul 10, 2008, 11:12 am
#398
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Toronto, ON, CA
Programs: AC*E; pick a number between 25 and 50K
Posts: 252
Interview for kids - extra documentation?
I've had my Nexus card for one lovely year, and now the Mrs and the two boys are accepted for interviews in just over a week from now.
But I ran into something suggesting that I might need more than just the boys' passports and birth certificates when browsing a Nexus document:
The instructions document at
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publicati...rc4209-eng.pdf
says "The documents you present to the officer at the NEXUS enrolment centre have to establish that the adult or adults are the parents or legal guardians"
What are they talking about? I don't recall seeing my name on their passport or birth certs!
Thanks
But I ran into something suggesting that I might need more than just the boys' passports and birth certificates when browsing a Nexus document:
The instructions document at
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publicati...rc4209-eng.pdf
says "The documents you present to the officer at the NEXUS enrolment centre have to establish that the adult or adults are the parents or legal guardians"
What are they talking about? I don't recall seeing my name on their passport or birth certs!
Thanks
Jul 10, 2008, 11:19 am
#399
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Programs: FB Silver going for Gold
Posts: 21,799
http://www.gov.on.ca/ont/portal/!ut/...n?docid=119279
Jul 10, 2008, 11:43 am
#400
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: YYZ
Posts: 1,629
As cockroach mentioned, there are two versions of birth certificates in Canada. The short version is just the persons name and personal info. The large cert also shows the parents names and their place of birth.
Jul 10, 2008, 2:11 pm
#401
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Toronto, ON, CA
Programs: AC*E; pick a number between 25 and 50K
Posts: 252
Jul 10, 2008, 2:13 pm
#402
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Programs: FB Silver going for Gold
Posts: 21,799
Jul 11, 2008, 5:21 am
#403
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Toronto
Posts: 227
That being said, I went to the YYZ Nexus office last weekend with my wife and two daughters as they got their Nexus cards as well. I had the long form birth certificates with me, but they didn't ask for them. The passports were enough proof of identity and they didn't even ask if there were any custody restrictions on the girls.
Jul 11, 2008, 5:40 am
#404
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Toronto, ON, CA
Programs: AC*E; pick a number between 25 and 50K
Posts: 252
That being said, I went to the YYZ Nexus office last weekend with my wife and two daughters as they got their Nexus cards as well. I had the long form birth certificates with me, but they didn't ask for them. The passports were enough proof of identity and they didn't even ask if there were any custody restrictions on the girls.
Murm
Jul 12, 2008, 3:38 pm
#405
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: YVR & YYZ
Programs: Aeroplan, Delta Skymiles, SPG
Posts: 382
Hey folks,
I have a quick question. When I applied for NEXUS a few years back, they only had the paper version at the time and on that application, it asked me for my vehicle and license plate number.
I'm soon going to buy a second car and plan on taking it down to Seattle every now and then. Will I have to tell the NEXUS program that I also got a new car and license plate number? Sometimes when I come back into Canada, they ask if I'm driving the vehicle with the registered plate (it's a vanity plate.) Just wondering what their policy is for "non-registered" vehicles and plates. Thanks!
I have a quick question. When I applied for NEXUS a few years back, they only had the paper version at the time and on that application, it asked me for my vehicle and license plate number.
I'm soon going to buy a second car and plan on taking it down to Seattle every now and then. Will I have to tell the NEXUS program that I also got a new car and license plate number? Sometimes when I come back into Canada, they ask if I'm driving the vehicle with the registered plate (it's a vanity plate.) Just wondering what their policy is for "non-registered" vehicles and plates. Thanks!