This guideline is first in the list of the "NEXUS Membership Guidelines" fact sheet that was given to me by the US CBP officer when I had my interview last month:

Please be aware of the following program violations that may result in the loss of your Nexus membership:

That's pretty clear to me that the NEXUS card is never sufficient on its own, whether by land, sea, or air. Always bring the passport.

Correct, those are the Nexus program rules. Though you are missing a subsequent announcement that allowed it to be used solo for sea and land crossings; the guide is sorely out of date.

However, all official published entry requirements (TIMATIC being the best example) list Nexus as a valid passport exemption. So, for example, if an airline allows you to board with only a Nexus card, they can't be fined by the US or Canada for flying an ineligible passenger because the rules they are required to follow list it as valid.

So, it is a legal and valid entry document by itself. But using it for that will cause you to loss it. Hence my point.

one thing to keep in mind too is that they cannot state "passport free entry for all members" because permanent residents of either country (US/Canada) can also apply for it and their nationality when entering the other country may need I94 + visa, I94W etc....

So technically you can be an Australian citizen with a Canadian PR with a NEXUS card, which when you enter the US require valid I-94W and passport inspection

Similarly you can be a Malaysian citizen with Canadian PR with a NEXUS card, which when you enter the US require valid visa in your Malaysian passport and I-94 for inspection

Back in my days, they needed to verify my passport for my F-1 classification and necessary documentations I-94 and recent I-20 paperwork...... despite having a NEXUS card

When was that announcement? What I quoted above is from a fact sheet dated "September 2012".

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

I was going to quote this as an answer to you, but it's actually very unclear.

It says a NEXUS card is acceptable when you use the kiosk. So do we actually need a passport or not? And if not, why is all the documentation so confusing?

I wonder if Vic Toews is aware of all of the conflicting information. If everyone in this thread dropped him a line maybe this will get cleared up.

The Hon. Vic Toews
Minister of Public Safety
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6

Free postage.

There seems to be a distinction between "presenting" the NEXUS card as ID to facilitate the immediate function of crossing the border, and "carrying and producing additional identification documents" as required. Those two requirements are not contrary.

That announcement stated that you can "present" the card in lieu of the passport for the active function of crossing the border, but it did not say you no longer have to "carry and produce" the passport in the event that someone wishes to see additional identification.

Until the program sends me a revised handbook, I am going to follow the handbook they gave me, to the letter.

When I had my interview (March 2012 I believe), I was told I did not need to carry my passport for crossing the border. No specifics were given.

I mentioned in this thread some issues I had with getting airline staff to accept a NEXUS card, and was informed by others that the passport is still required for air travel. I looked this up, and confirmed it. I don't remember where I confirmed it though. Maybe online, maybe in some documents I was given. However, NEXUS was definitely listed as being the only required document for land and water crossings.

That being said, GE seems to be better than NEXUS for entering the US, and my NEXUS card does not show that I have TN status, or an I-94, so I find it easier to just have my passport with me in case I do need to pull it out (or to use GE).

The main thing I like about the NEXUS card is that it fits in my wallet.

I was told the same thing when I had my interview at Fort Erie from both sides CBP and CBSA agents. I asked both agents is this applicable for air travel also and both said YES.

That is scary advice. Even if they're right (which they're not according to most), if you get asked for your passport some time and that particular agent has a different interpretation of the rules, you're pooched.

That's my thinking too. Not worth the gamble to me. I'll be using the card, and keeping the passport buried deep in the bag, but it'll be with me.

This will probably be the 5th or 6th time I have posted this in this exact thread but here it goes


Why the **** would you go to a foreign country and not have your passport with you. Even the U.S.

It seems like a stubborn issue that comes up a few times a year. It isn't an ACME safe, it is a bit of paper. Take it with you. Simple

Has anyone been able to update their DL through GOES? I can see my old DL information in the GOES top left corner. But when I click on Update Documents, it only lets me update my passport.

Sure....NEXUS card is acceptable when you use the kiosk. And I'd consider not carrying my passport when traveling by air on the day when I can guarantee that I won't get a random into secondary (or potentially sent back for another reason), which is no longer using the kiosk. Then, following the statement, you'd require a passport if the agent asks. And I have been into secondary a few times for randoms or having to check yes to one of the boxes. I've been asked for my passport (in addition to Nexus card) about half of those times.

In other words, I don't see myself not carrying my passport when flying to the US, really, in the future anytime.

It is advisable to always carry your passport when travelling... why wouldn't you? The benefits of Nexus is to bypass the long immigration/custom line and expedited security lines. Just how troublesome is it to carry a passport?

I strongly urge one to carry their passport because during the days where there are heightened security warnings, the officers will ask to see both your passport and your nexus card. Also, if you have been selected for SSSS, you will need your passport.

So why is carrying a passport a burden? I am flabbergasted.