I believe I said that I did not advise it and did not do it myself. And I did say "why put yourself at risk...?" Maybe people think I am too much of a stickler but their inconvenience of shipping is not worth it to me to deal with these things. I am not a pack mule. That said, whether other people choose to do it, it is amply clear that "things for other people" are not extra allowances at the border. (And the prospect of lining up to pay tariffs on importation on behalf of someone else is laughable to me. Nobody has ever done me a big enough favour to have me owe them that. I even limit my shopping when I travel to make sure my OWN purchases are under the duty free exemption. Who needs more lines?)

Hi, first post here. Been lurking for some time.

Back in the late 70's I was a bad boy and had three criminal convictions. I have received a pardon for them, but reading the eligibility requirements it seems the US can deny me for a Nexus even with the pardon.

Right now I have no trouble going through US Immigration and I fly to the US a lot.

My concern is, if I apply for Nexus and am questioned about my record and denied, will this jeopardize being allowed entry into the US in the future?

Just had my interview at Halifax. Iris scan took a while to get right. That normal? Also had to try three times on the kiosk.


Here's my timeline:

Applied: 07 July 13
Conditionally Approved: 30 Aug 13
Interview Scheduled: Halifax YHZ 21 Sep 13 11:20 AM
Full Approval: 21 Sep 13 12:30 PM

I've added my trusted traveler number to my profile for flying...it has my full middle name included. I assume I need to update my profile so it also includes my full middle name? Right now its just First and Last.

Took me a while too. My wife never got it to work. She ended up with a "no iris" sticker. So we go see the agent.

I would. Better to be safe than sorry.

I had a really quick iris scan at YUL today. Maybe I am getting the hang of it. It's not easy. Maybe I was just so tired from the flight that I was the right degree of relaxed! Don't stress, just keep doing it and getting practice.

I think it does get better...I've had it almost a year now and I'm starting to get it the first try most times.

Before long you'll get the hang of the "Giraffe neck" technique to move the mirror and your head simultaneously for a first time capture every time.

I agree - it took me several tries the first couple times - now I can do it no problem.

When my iris scan was first done it would not work but the agent said it was because my eyes are somewhat narrow - so I just opened wide and voila! - it worked. Now when using the kiosk, I go up to the mirror, open my eyes wide - and all is good.

I think I've only moved the mirror once in my last ten attempts, and I'd say I'm 70% for first attempt, and 30% for second. I just hold my eyes wide open and line them up where indicated, and I've never had any issues.

So I know that there is a NEXUS lane at YUL for all passengers flying to the states. My question is - is it actually being used as a true NEXUS lane? Last I heard they were letting anyone go into this lane and in theory blocking anyone with a NEXUS card from moving to the front! Traveling in 10 days so just looking for some more up to date info.

What time is your flight?

We leave on United @ 0600 Thursday to ord. It sounds like there is a dedicated nexus lane on the airport web site but google searches tell me it may be different? Airport site says to be there 2+ hrs before to get thru US customs and security.

Thanks. David

The Nexus lane in Montreal has some strangeness to it. When you approach the entry to the custom hall/security, you will see that there is a line for Nexus and the line will look like it is closed. Feel free to go around and skip directly to the hall guard if there is a line to enter the hall. Once into the hall, walk straight all the way to the end for the Nexus line. This will allow you to skip the line for security. Once through security, you should come out right by the Nexus and Global Entry kiosk (will be on your right).

However, beware that the custom/security hall only opens at 0500 and that there is rarely a line early in the morning. So no need to show up at the airport at 4 am!

Last time I was at the NEXUS office in YVR the agent spent over 10 minutes with a lady trying to do the iris scan but she couldn't get it to work. They decided to wait and try again but I left before that.

My first couple times using the kiosk took a few tries to get right, after a while you get the hang of the right distance. I try and bug my eyes out and almost go cross-eyed on the little circles in the mirror. I'm sure I look like an idiot, but I can be through in seconds, so... :D