While the Nexus bridge never has a line of more than 3 cars it can take 10 mins on each side to get to from the major highways. If you want to stay on the hwy and check the bridge lineups before deciding to use the Nexus bridge, call 1800 715 6722 about half hour from the border and you will get the status reports on all Niagara/Buffalo bridges in both directions.

Nexus Renewal
 

If it helps anybody here. I submitted electronically my Nexus renewal on May 6th. As of today it is still listed as pending renewal.

As it's past the "4-6 week review" window, I contacted the CBSA side for Nexus, the officer told me that they're waiting on the US CBP side and that they opened the file on May 21st, two weeks after I submitted the form. The CBSA officer told me that US CBP takes 4-6 weeks from when they open the file to review.

Talk about a backlog.

Further update, if this helps.

I just spoke with US CBP customer service and was told that they do not provide info for status updates over the phone. Status updates are only provided by them via GOES. (Expected answer).

However, she did tell me that although the stated anticipated review time is 4-6 weeks, she said that right now it's more like 8-10 weeks. She said that with more and more people applying for the first time, coupled with renewals, there has been a flood of applications. She mentioned that the reason for the flood of renewals, as well, was because it's about the 5 year mark of the NEXUS programs beginning and all of those people who started when the program was new are all applying at once for renewal.

Hope this helps.

*Sigh* That explains a lot. Also from the GE forum, GE applications are taking over 3 weeks from submission to conditional approval. Looks like CBP is getting slammed with GE and Nexus applications.

Whirlpool
 

The NFBC traffic reports are very unreliable. There is no NEXUS line entering the US on the L/Q and there is no escape if you are in traffic - a big risk. The route to the Whirlpool is easy - suggest 405-Stanley-Whirlpool-River (border) - NY 182-I-190. I have been in rather long lines on the Whirlpool but they will open a second lane. The Peace Bridge reports are accurate and the Nexus lane is usually operating when needed (Rainbow into the US closes after am rush hour and there is no lane into Canada). There are side entrances to the Peace Bridge and Rainbow in case there is a major back up (Central Ave in Fort Erie and Falls Ave in NF On). The new "extended" Nexus lane into Canada on the L/Q is shared with trucks and if they back up, so do you. I prefer the Peace Bridge and Whirlpool for reliable traffic.

Final update.

So I got my approval for renewal for NEXUS today. About 5 minutes ago actually. It was a straight up renewal with no need for an interview.

So the timeline for me was: Application for renewal submitted May 6. Acceptance for renewal Jun 27. Approximate 7 1/2 weeks. Not bad considering that CBP says 4-6 weeks on their site but are telling people 8-10 weeks in reality.

Hope this helps.

Also in regards to border crossings in the BUF/NF area. Often the best bridge is the Peace Bridge. It has the most lanes and is generally the fastest. The Rainbow is often the slowest and Queenston/Lewiston also tends to back up quite frequently. Typically if I am in a rush I will use the Whirlpool bridge as I've never been held up there for longer than 5 minutes. The only downsides I can think of with the Whirlpool is that you don't come out on a highway, if you don't know where it is then its hard to find because GPS doesn't usually (if ever) have it listed, and there is no duty free available.

Went for my renewal interview this morning at YUL, took about 1h total. When I arrived for my appointment this morning, was seen quickly by the CBSA agent but had to wait for the US CBP agent to start their shift, but once they arrived, it went quickly.

My NEXUS card expires in two weeks, but the earliest renewal date that I've been able to grab in the Vancouver area is not until mid-September. I'm not entirely sure when I put in my renewal application, but it was quite some time ago. I received my notification of conditional approval on June 5th.. I'm not very happy about this. :p

As has been said upthread, keep checking online every day. Often cancellations open up.

In my experience, there was no interview and no appointment was needed. If you think you will need one, then book it and cancel it if unnecessary.

BUF-Canada by Car
 

I'll be doing this for the first time. I have NEXUS.

Please correct any misconceptions:


I understand that the Whirlpool Bridge is NEXUS only, right?
Toll going into Canada but free crossing to the USA?

Can I put $$ on my NEXUS card at the Whirlpool before entering Canada? Since I have never done this before, I believe the first time it has to be done from a kiosk at the bridge, and after that it can be topped off online.

The NFBC website indicates that you can register your account online, but when you click on the link, it only takes you to the login page.

No cash on the Whirlpool Bridge?

Where is the toll kiosk?



Thanks for your assistance.

Thanks, vernonc!

This is the picture showing where you add funds to your card and where you cross

This doesn't apply to everyone. It says somewhere on the Nexus site that some people will not require an interview on renewal however this does not mean all people won't require an interview. If you've gotten a conditional approval then you will need to go in for the interview. If you get just an approval then there will not be an interview and they will just mail you your new card.

Hope this helps.