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
Oct 5, 2014, 7:37 pm
#8776
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: AC E35K, NEXUS
Posts: 4,368
That Convair building is a great idea - given that I was early so I wouldn't be late, and I had to wait in the middle of the interview for the second officer, the parking cost me $20 at YYZ for my interview - almost half as much as five years of NEXUS privileges! The offsite spot is great for local applicants.
Oct 6, 2014, 11:47 am
#8777
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: YYZ/TPA/MCO
Posts: 101
I have some questions that I should have asked after my interview but they were quick to rush me out.
1. Leaving Canada via YYZ. I understand YYZ has US Pre clearance so its a bit different. When I enter via the nexus section, do I still need to fill out the paper customs form or is this done via the machine?
2. I'm assuming the Nexus section carries the same hours of operations of the normal US customs line. My flight is early morning.
3. Entering Canada (YYZ), what's different? Is there a dedicated spot for Nexus holders?
1. Leaving Canada via YYZ. I understand YYZ has US Pre clearance so its a bit different. When I enter via the nexus section, do I still need to fill out the paper customs form or is this done via the machine?
2. I'm assuming the Nexus section carries the same hours of operations of the normal US customs line. My flight is early morning.
3. Entering Canada (YYZ), what's different? Is there a dedicated spot for Nexus holders?
Oct 6, 2014, 12:11 pm
#8778
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: SEA, or BOS, or MUC, or other places (probably connecting). "Detroit, Michigan is in the Eastern time zone."
Programs: DL PM/1MM, AS 100K, NEXUS/GE, CLEAR, Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 1,201
I have some questions that I should have asked after my interview but they were quick to rush me out.
1. Leaving Canada via YYZ. I understand YYZ has US Pre clearance so its a bit different. When I enter via the nexus section, do I still need to fill out the paper customs form or is this done via the machine?
2. I'm assuming the Nexus section carries the same hours of operations of the normal US customs line. My flight is early morning.
3. Entering Canada (YYZ), what's different? Is there a dedicated spot for Nexus holders?
1. Leaving Canada via YYZ. I understand YYZ has US Pre clearance so its a bit different. When I enter via the nexus section, do I still need to fill out the paper customs form or is this done via the machine?
2. I'm assuming the Nexus section carries the same hours of operations of the normal US customs line. My flight is early morning.
3. Entering Canada (YYZ), what's different? Is there a dedicated spot for Nexus holders?
2. I suspect so, yes.
3. There will be a dedicated NEXUS line that goes to the iris scan kiosk. You still need to fill out the Canadian landing card.
Last edited by CKDGM; Oct 6, 2014 at 12:12 pm Reason: added touchscreen usage note
Oct 7, 2014, 11:33 am
#8780
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: WAS
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Nexus, GE
Posts: 2,123
I have some questions that I should have asked after my interview but they were quick to rush me out.
1. Leaving Canada via YYZ. I understand YYZ has US Pre clearance so its a bit different. When I enter via the nexus section, do I still need to fill out the paper customs form or is this done via the machine?
2. I'm assuming the Nexus section carries the same hours of operations of the normal US customs line. My flight is early morning.
3. Entering Canada (YYZ), what's different? Is there a dedicated spot for Nexus holders?
1. Leaving Canada via YYZ. I understand YYZ has US Pre clearance so its a bit different. When I enter via the nexus section, do I still need to fill out the paper customs form or is this done via the machine?
2. I'm assuming the Nexus section carries the same hours of operations of the normal US customs line. My flight is early morning.
3. Entering Canada (YYZ), what's different? Is there a dedicated spot for Nexus holders?
1) Don't fill out the US customs form. The pre-clearance section is now all GE machines, and it's to the left of the customs hall (separate entrance). They do like to see a physical card when you enter.
2) From all of my experience, Nexus has always been open when US customs was open. This includes some stupidly early flights.
3) As was mentioned before, you do have to fill out the Canadian customs declaration. Nexus kiosks are located both to the far left and far right of the customs hall.
Oct 7, 2014, 6:48 pm
#8781
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: YYZ/TPA/MCO
Posts: 101
Just to try to provide a little more detail and confirmation.
1) Don't fill out the US customs form. The pre-clearance section is now all GE machines, and it's to the left of the customs hall (separate entrance). They do like to see a physical card when you enter.
2) From all of my experience, Nexus has always been open when US customs was open. This includes some stupidly early flights.
3) As was mentioned before, you do have to fill out the Canadian customs declaration. Nexus kiosks are located both to the far left and far right of the customs hall.
1) Don't fill out the US customs form. The pre-clearance section is now all GE machines, and it's to the left of the customs hall (separate entrance). They do like to see a physical card when you enter.
2) From all of my experience, Nexus has always been open when US customs was open. This includes some stupidly early flights.
3) As was mentioned before, you do have to fill out the Canadian customs declaration. Nexus kiosks are located both to the far left and far right of the customs hall.
I really have no issues with security on the Canadian side but is there anything different for Nexus pass holders on the Canadian side? (i.e. like TSA pre).
Oct 7, 2014, 7:01 pm
#8782
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: AC E35K, NEXUS
Posts: 4,368
There is a NEXUS lane for the scanning (the metal detector/bag scan thing). The YYZ NEXUS lane can leave light jackets on and laptops and liquids in carryon (but supposed to be in the bag).
Oct 7, 2014, 7:16 pm
#8783
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: WAS
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Nexus, GE
Posts: 2,123
It's almost exactly like pre-check, but they recently tweaked it so that laptops now have to come out.
Oct 7, 2014, 8:05 pm
#8784
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: YYZ/TPA/MCO
Posts: 101
Ah nice. I'm only traveling with one laptop this time around so I'll be OK.
I generally don't have issues with security as I'm normally on early flights or give myself plenty of time.
I generally don't have issues with security as I'm normally on early flights or give myself plenty of time.
Oct 7, 2014, 9:51 pm
#8785
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,891
Not IME. I can't remember ever having to take out my Nexus card at the NEXUS entrance to pre-clearance, at least at YYZ. I usually just either flash the CBP sticker on the back of my passport, but more often, they'll ask if I am GE and when I say yes, they let me through.
If you want to use the Nexus security you need the card out, and in the past, I was sometimes asked (maybe 50% of the time) for the card where you hand in your customs card or GE slip. But I don't think I've been asked that since the GE machines went up - makes sense since many GE members don't have cards.
If you want to use the Nexus security you need the card out, and in the past, I was sometimes asked (maybe 50% of the time) for the card where you hand in your customs card or GE slip. But I don't think I've been asked that since the GE machines went up - makes sense since many GE members don't have cards.
Oct 8, 2014, 7:48 am
#8786
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: WAS
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Nexus, GE
Posts: 2,123
Not IME. I can't remember ever having to take out my Nexus card at the NEXUS entrance to pre-clearance, at least at YYZ. I usually just either flash the CBP sticker on the back of my passport, but more often, they'll ask if I am GE and when I say yes, they let me through.
Oct 8, 2014, 5:41 pm
#8787
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,891
haha...about two and a half weeks ago when I went through, the agent checking cards at the entrance to security at the Nexus line was calling out for Nexus and GE members. Gotta love the consistency!
Oct 9, 2014, 11:33 am
#8788
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: WAS
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Nexus, GE
Posts: 2,123
Just a datapoint. Went to update a work permit at YYZ today. Incredibly fast and efficient. I was called within 5 minutes of arrival and less than 5 minutes to complete.
If you're updating documents, you don't have to make an appointment. Just show up and there's a separate sign-in sheet.
If you're updating documents, you don't have to make an appointment. Just show up and there's a separate sign-in sheet.
Oct 9, 2014, 11:34 am
#8789
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: YVR SFO
Programs: UA G
Posts: 4,866
FYI - passed through YVR yesterday and all four NEXUS kiosks for entering Canada appeared to be working fine. All GE USA entry kiosks (I think there were 4 or 5?) were working, too.
NEXUS kiosks did not require either card or password; just iris scan, answer the questions, and off you go. For those that don't do this often, do remember that NEXUS still requires the paper customs entry form. (I normally use GE into the US and keep forgetting that NEXUS still requires the form).
NEXUS kiosks did not require either card or password; just iris scan, answer the questions, and off you go. For those that don't do this often, do remember that NEXUS still requires the paper customs entry form. (I normally use GE into the US and keep forgetting that NEXUS still requires the form).
Oct 9, 2014, 2:00 pm
#8790
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: San Francisco/Tel Aviv/YYZ
Programs: CO 1K-MM
Posts: 10,762
NEXUS kiosks did not require either card or password; just iris scan, answer the questions, and off you go. For those that don't do this often, do remember that NEXUS still requires the paper customs entry form. (I normally use GE into the US and keep forgetting that NEXUS still requires the form).