The NEXUS Information Thread
 

Yes - there is one at Port Huron - its on the US side. You can do your interview there, but don't believe you can get your retina scan at that location. You'll need to return to one that can do that (no appt. necessary) to be able to use at the airport.

What about Ft. Erie or the Niagara falls location? Do they have the retina scan there?

What happens between you get your interview done and getting your iris scanned? Can you still use Global Entry during that time? I am in "pending review" mode with Nexus. I could do the interview at the US side as soon as I am conditionally approved. But it may be a while before I get a chance to cross the border to Canada for the iris scan. Just wondering if i still could take advantage of Global Entry (for my other international trips) BEFORE i have my iris scan done. Anyone can share his/her wisdom?

As you've said, you're pending review which means you've not been 100% approved and without the iris scan you can't be processed as both the GE and Nexus podiums are operated with the iris scan and fingerprints in the case of GE.

I stand to be corrected but based on my experience this is what i've concluded

The NEXUS Information Thread
 

GE does not use an iris scan. Only fingerprints and passport.

Believe that GE should be available once you complete your interview. They should do the fingerprints at any nexus or GE office. Then you should be able to use it immediately. When you receive your nexus card, you'll be able to use land border and after iris scan, you'll have use into Canada at the airport.

I'm pretty sure this is how it's supposed to work - I would confirm with the US officer that interviews you.

Fort Erie does. In Niagara Falls NY they don't (Whilrpool bridge) BUT they can give you a one time pass to cross the whirlpool bridge back into Canada, and they have the machines there (conceivably in the secondary inspection area, but I don't really know).

well its been 9 weeks since i applied now. still says pending review.. emailed them, got a reply that said to keep checking... anybody else get an update?

http://cbsa.gc.ca/media/release-comm...05-08-eng.html

No more interviews for renewals!

using NEXUS card for expedited TSA screenings?
 

Has anyone attempted to use their NEXUS card for expedited screening at a TSA security checkpoint as described at the following link:

TSA PreCheck

What I'm wondering is--firstly--is this program actually up and running yet and does it actually save time and hassle at the security checkpoint? If no, then the rest is moot:

It says to use the TSA PreCheck you need to be a US citizen with a NEXUS card. I got my NEXUS card in 4/2011 but only became a US citizen in 9/2011. My NEXUS card still says 'CAN' on the front as country of citizenship. My NEXUS files have now been updated with my US naturalization certificate, my US passport, and my US passport card data. I am told that it is fine to use the card saying 'CAN' as a NEXUS card but that it would require a $25 fee plus a specific appointment to get it changed before I renew it.

Will I be able to use this NEXUS card at TSA PreCheck?

Applied in Feb, conditionally approved in 6 weeks, then scheduled the earliest available interview at YVR for May, got final approval. Three months in total.

At the interview they gave me the member's guide and TDC form printout. From reading that, I got a very nasty surprise. It turn out I have to fill out the TDC form every time when I bring anything back to Canada over a land crossing if I want to use a Nexus lane, even if I am within the limit, even for tax-free basic groceries!

What?

I got Nexus to save time at the border. Not to create more paperwork each time I cross! Where is the benefit?

Also, if I am in a regular non-Nexus lane and I am a little bit over the limit, I get waved through. No such thing in the Nexus lane, as I am now not allowed to make oral declaration. I have to fill out the TDC form every time!

You are allowed to make an oral declaration now, but that's new. It's just really important to say I am making a verbal declaration when you drive up. I was told this by the CBSA agent when my wife and kids got their Nexus a couple months ago, and I have done it twice since then.

Good news for those renewing and YTZ travelers:

http://cbsa.gc.ca/media/release-comm...05-08-eng.html

You can't just show up with your nexus card. You need to be apply - usually this is done by adding your nexus card number to your FF profile on US carriers, and then the information that you are a eligible is encoded on the bar code of your BP. When entering the pre-check security line, this is scanned, and let's the agent know you are enrolled.

So am I out of luck if I fly frequently on Alaska Airlines but prefer to collect my FF miles through the AA AAdvantage program (AA is a FF partner of Alaska)? When booking at Alaska there is a place to enter a "Known Traveler" number even if not an Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan member. I am also signed up as a "Known Traveler" in the AA AAdvantage program.

Also, according to the following website, TSA determines that someone is eligible on a per-segment basis, not by applying once and being approved once and for all:

TSA Pre-Check Program for Known Travelers

How do I know whether the bar code on my boarding pass has been encoded to allow the use of Pre Check?

See the answer below. You'll only find out if you can use PreCheck once you present yourself at the checkpoint. If you have been chosen you'll be directed to the appropriate line.