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
Jan 27, 2009, 6:45 am
#751
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: MSP
Programs: SPG Gold;NWA gold;Hyatt Plat
Posts: 1,458
Jan 27, 2009, 9:35 am
#752
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: ORD
Programs: United 1k - Hilton Diamond
Posts: 276
Question on application
I do much business in Canada and have thought about getting a NExus card but this bothers me.
"you have been convicted of a serious criminal offence, in any country, for which you have not received a pardon (for U.S. background checks you may be questioned about your full criminal history, including arrests and pardons, which may exclude you from NEXUS)"
I wont get in to detail but I pleaded guilty to a battery charge as a misdemeanor. It was over 10 years ago and I was young dumb and had a bad lawyer. Will this stop me?
I have heard horror stories of some one having a DUI from years past preventing them from getting access into Canada. I don't want to risk applying and then having my passport flagged and not being able to see my customers.
"you have been convicted of a serious criminal offence, in any country, for which you have not received a pardon (for U.S. background checks you may be questioned about your full criminal history, including arrests and pardons, which may exclude you from NEXUS)"
I wont get in to detail but I pleaded guilty to a battery charge as a misdemeanor. It was over 10 years ago and I was young dumb and had a bad lawyer. Will this stop me?
I have heard horror stories of some one having a DUI from years past preventing them from getting access into Canada. I don't want to risk applying and then having my passport flagged and not being able to see my customers.
Jan 27, 2009, 10:44 am
#753
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: MSP
Programs: SPG Gold;NWA gold;Hyatt Plat
Posts: 1,458
swing into a nexus office during your next visit and just ask. Don't give them any personal info, but they may be able to at least say yes or no..
Jan 27, 2009, 11:39 am
#754
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,037
I have gone though the Detroit/Windsor Tunnel and regularly get asked for my Passport in the NEXUS lane (this only happened to me on the U.S. side).
Jan 27, 2009, 12:21 pm
#755
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: YHZ. Previously YYC
Posts: 1,924
I applied and got conditional approvel within 1 week.
Although I've been waiting two weeks for my darn husband to fill out his application. He finally did it today.
We're in Halifax and there is interview opens as soon as tomorrow ( 5 slots available). I feel sorry for you guys in Calgary who have to wait till April. That's unreal.
Assuming my husband gets conditionally approved in a week, like myself. We should have our interview by Feb 2/3rd... Our flight to the US leaves Feb 28th. Think that will be enough time to get the card and what not?
Also, what kind of questions will be asked in this interview? Job history, Address history, etc,etc?
My other concern is me and my husband get greif every time we cross into America because we are a legally married same sex couple, and the US border officals don't seem to like that very much. We get a hassle every time, and I hope we don't get declined for a NEXUS based on that alone. One cranky, narrow minded agent could ruin the whole thing for us.
Although I've been waiting two weeks for my darn husband to fill out his application. He finally did it today.
We're in Halifax and there is interview opens as soon as tomorrow ( 5 slots available). I feel sorry for you guys in Calgary who have to wait till April. That's unreal.
Assuming my husband gets conditionally approved in a week, like myself. We should have our interview by Feb 2/3rd... Our flight to the US leaves Feb 28th. Think that will be enough time to get the card and what not?
Also, what kind of questions will be asked in this interview? Job history, Address history, etc,etc?
My other concern is me and my husband get greif every time we cross into America because we are a legally married same sex couple, and the US border officals don't seem to like that very much. We get a hassle every time, and I hope we don't get declined for a NEXUS based on that alone. One cranky, narrow minded agent could ruin the whole thing for us.
Jan 27, 2009, 6:34 pm
#756
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: YYZ
Posts: 1,672
Has anyone been able to get to the GOES site for the last few days - I'm trying to validate my address information as I haven't received my new card yet...
https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov/
https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov/
Jan 27, 2009, 7:04 pm
#757
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: YEG
Programs: AC~SE, Marriot-Gold, SPG Plat, Hyatt Platinum, National Executive, Hertz PC
Posts: 181
I'm in, have my interview on Thurs this week. Looking forward to getting the card.
Jan 28, 2009, 7:10 am
#758
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: YHZ
Programs: IHG Spire
Posts: 39
I applied and got conditional approvel within 1 week.
Although I've been waiting two weeks for my darn husband to fill out his application. He finally did it today.
We're in Halifax and there is interview opens as soon as tomorrow ( 5 slots available). I feel sorry for you guys in Calgary who have to wait till April. That's unreal.
Assuming my husband gets conditionally approved in a week, like myself. We should have our interview by Feb 2/3rd... Our flight to the US leaves Feb 28th. Think that will be enough time to get the card and what not?
Also, what kind of questions will be asked in this interview? Job history, Address history, etc,etc?
My other concern is me and my husband get greif every time we cross into America because we are a legally married same sex couple, and the US border officals don't seem to like that very much. We get a hassle every time, and I hope we don't get declined for a NEXUS based on that alone. One cranky, narrow minded agent could ruin the whole thing for us.
Although I've been waiting two weeks for my darn husband to fill out his application. He finally did it today.
We're in Halifax and there is interview opens as soon as tomorrow ( 5 slots available). I feel sorry for you guys in Calgary who have to wait till April. That's unreal.
Assuming my husband gets conditionally approved in a week, like myself. We should have our interview by Feb 2/3rd... Our flight to the US leaves Feb 28th. Think that will be enough time to get the card and what not?
Also, what kind of questions will be asked in this interview? Job history, Address history, etc,etc?
My other concern is me and my husband get greif every time we cross into America because we are a legally married same sex couple, and the US border officals don't seem to like that very much. We get a hassle every time, and I hope we don't get declined for a NEXUS based on that alone. One cranky, narrow minded agent could ruin the whole thing for us.
The questions were only to confirm the information you inputted (name, address, employer, how long at address and employer). They also re-asked the final four questions you were asked (convictions, etc), but also asked if I had ever done illegal drugs. It was a US personnel asking me, so I didn't start asking, "Illegal in your country or mine?", and just said "no". Don't show up with your track marks showing or smelling of pot, and you'll be fine.
Most of the time was spent having my picture taken, warning me to declare everything (because, "I'd hate for you to be kicked out for bringing in an apple") and getting a quick course on how to use the booth. I was in and out in 20 minutes, complete with my $50 keychain.
Can't wait to wave at the suckers stuck in line at YYZ next time I'm headed to the states.
Jan 28, 2009, 7:36 am
#759
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: YXU/BOS
Programs: AC SEMM
Posts: 939
I've been asked three times; once I showed it; the other two times I started to fumble with my wallet (no deception - it was in there) and that was enough for the agent to wave me through
Jan 28, 2009, 12:05 pm
#760
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: YHZ,SAN
Programs: AC*SE
Posts: 336
I think it's unreal too... so despite the Nexus Calgary folks calling me to reconfirm that the full bookings until April was real, I went online today to see what would happen if I change my April booking. Lo and behold, Calgary's Nexus office is now showing a repaired schedule with multiple openings as early as Monday! So apparently the Nexus lady didn't know what she was talking about. So if anyone booked in April for Calgary like I did, you can now go online and see the true schedule with availability like everyone else (well, maybe not as nice as Halifax; I was almost tempted to schedule a March interview in Halifax instead during my planned trip there).
Jan 28, 2009, 12:19 pm
#761
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Ottawa
Posts: 8,564
So apparently the Nexus lady didn't know what she was talking about.
Happy to hear they cleared it up. Good luck.
=aw
Jan 29, 2009, 7:07 am
#762
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: MSP
Programs: SPG Gold;NWA gold;Hyatt Plat
Posts: 1,458
My other concern is me and my husband get greif every time we cross into America because we are a legally married same sex couple, and the US border officals don't seem to like that very much. We get a hassle every time, and I hope we don't get declined for a NEXUS based on that alone. One cranky, narrow minded agent could ruin the whole thing for us.
Last time I was in yyz, a couple of guys walked up together. The border guard asked "Are you related by blood? Then you need to come up separately." I thought that was a fairly good way to put it, and wasn't making a big deal about their marriage.
Jan 29, 2009, 11:30 am
#763
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: YHZ,SAN
Programs: AC*SE
Posts: 336
I second what goaliemn said as well - except that I don't believe you should feel compelled to 'not' bring up the fact that you and your husband are legally married (even though the U.S. federal government doesn't recognize it) - it's a fact and they can't and shouldn't bring you down for it. However, because you are applying for a transborder card that needs to be used and recognized in both Canada and the US, you are forced to play by whatever rules of recognition that is acceptable to both, and that unfortunately means having to apply as an individual.
The same goes for US customs crossings - my understanding is that the US custom areas located within Canadian airports is technically considered US territory (hence the US guardtroops that walk around etc) so you will have to abide by what their country / federal government will recognize, which at this time does not include marriage between same-sex couples, regardless of how socially barbaric that may be.
I should have prefaced by stating that my husband and I are also a married couple of the same gender - he's American and I am Canadian. As insulting and barbaric as the US government's policy is, and despite how much we disagree with it, in the end it's their (the US's) society's decision (so far) not to recognize marriage between two adults of the same sex at a federal level, and when we are forced to go through US customs individually, we view it as the sacrifice we must make to enter US soil - after all, it's our choice to enter the US and we certainly don't 'have' to. When the opportunity arises at the US customs border however, and they ask if I am travelling with someone - I will say that I am travelling with my spouse. They will then often demand why they are not at the customs agent together with me, I will then point to him (in line or at another agent) and inform him/her that 'I would, but your country does not recognize our marriage so we apparently need to come up individually'. If anything it's serves as educational for some of the customs agents who aren't aware of the equality issues.
Of course none of this is an issue coming back into Canada through Canada customs - we always come up to the agent together when entering Canada and from what I understand it doesn't even matter if you are married or not - so long as you are part of the same household...
- James
The same goes for US customs crossings - my understanding is that the US custom areas located within Canadian airports is technically considered US territory (hence the US guardtroops that walk around etc) so you will have to abide by what their country / federal government will recognize, which at this time does not include marriage between same-sex couples, regardless of how socially barbaric that may be.
I should have prefaced by stating that my husband and I are also a married couple of the same gender - he's American and I am Canadian. As insulting and barbaric as the US government's policy is, and despite how much we disagree with it, in the end it's their (the US's) society's decision (so far) not to recognize marriage between two adults of the same sex at a federal level, and when we are forced to go through US customs individually, we view it as the sacrifice we must make to enter US soil - after all, it's our choice to enter the US and we certainly don't 'have' to. When the opportunity arises at the US customs border however, and they ask if I am travelling with someone - I will say that I am travelling with my spouse. They will then often demand why they are not at the customs agent together with me, I will then point to him (in line or at another agent) and inform him/her that 'I would, but your country does not recognize our marriage so we apparently need to come up individually'. If anything it's serves as educational for some of the customs agents who aren't aware of the equality issues.
Of course none of this is an issue coming back into Canada through Canada customs - we always come up to the agent together when entering Canada and from what I understand it doesn't even matter if you are married or not - so long as you are part of the same household...
- James
I'd not bring it up. Apply as individuals and go in as individuals. The marriage isn't recognized in the US, unfortunately, so the border guards aren't giving you grief. They're following US law.
Last time I was in yyz, a couple of guys walked up together. The border guard asked "Are you related by blood? Then you need to come up separately." I thought that was a fairly good way to put it, and wasn't making a big deal about their marriage.
Last time I was in yyz, a couple of guys walked up together. The border guard asked "Are you related by blood? Then you need to come up separately." I thought that was a fairly good way to put it, and wasn't making a big deal about their marriage.
Last edited by timriley12; Jan 29, 2009 at 11:38 am
Jan 29, 2009, 1:17 pm
#764
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Delta, BC
Posts: 1,646
The same goes for US customs crossings - my understanding is that the US custom areas located within Canadian airports is technically considered US territory (hence the US guardtroops that walk around etc) so you will have to abide by what their country / federal government will recognize, which at this time does not include marriage between same-sex couples, regardless of how socially barbaric that may be.
Jan 29, 2009, 1:27 pm
#765
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: YEG
Programs: AC~SE, Marriot-Gold, SPG Plat, Hyatt Platinum, National Executive, Hertz PC
Posts: 181
Had my interview today. All good, clear sailing now. Should have card in two weeks they said.