I could be wrong but I thought I heard/read somewhere that because infants do not have fingerprint scan done, the application stays in limbo so you may have to call to get them to release it.

So I didn't get any feedback on this previously so I'll try again..

Has anyone had any luck entering the US via non-GE means (ie going directly to a CBP officer) and use the NEXUS card?

Our US passports have been cancelled, but apparently we still need to enter the US as US citizens, and the new passports will likely not arrive within the next 9 days before we arrive.

Hoping it's actually possible. The CBSA page mentions you can enter Canada with only the NEXUS card if coming from the US, but there is no mention of the opposite way.

Thanks in advance!

Both of my children went through the same thing during the interview (i.e. no fingerprints, but both had retina photos taken). Only one received the card. :(

Just FYI: the fourth card arrived yesterday, at the end of the day. :D

Must have been just a mail sorting thing at the post office.

New Machines are Painful
 

Anyone else had issues with the new machines? Lots of "unauthorized user" messages, especially if the card is not lined up just right. Seems to be poorly executed.

I don't know the for sure answer, but unless you can find a written comment on an official CBP (or other US government) website somewhere, and bring it with you, I wouldn't try using your Nexus card. Regardless, depending on the airline, or even agent at the counter, you may not be allowed to check in or board without a passport (though if you have a non-US passport, you could give those to your airline - you don't say it, but imply that you may have other citizenship).

The only thing I can find is this, on the WHTI page of CBP (http://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizen...ram-background) which doesn't bode well for your case:

Note the Nexus card only referred to if using a Nexus kiosk (that statement has its own problems even if you do start at the kiosk - as in, if the machine sends you to secondary, you are no longer using a kiosk and now a Nexus card isn't valid on its own).

Getting your passports expedited would have been the better thing to do - costs more, sure, but worth it. Your only option now is to take your chances (and I would never pick that option) or delay the trip until your new passport comes.

On the other hand, I'm sure you can do your research on this, but believe the US can not technically deny entry to a US citizen, even without a passport. May be a very long examination at immigration/customs verifying your status, etc.. Again, don't know much about this.

Shocked! I applied to renew my Nexus late yesterday afternoon and got an Approved email this morning! Amazingly fast! Let's see how long the card takes. My Nexus did not expire till April - will it now expire in December? (Ie. I lost 4 months?)

This is why I was hoping someone had some first hand experience. I'm afraid if I go up to the officer with just my NEXUS card they'll possibly just take it away. I have no doubt we'd be able to board the plane as they'll see we have Canadian passports and all is fine in their eyes.

Ah and our departing airport doesn't have pre-clearance and the arriving airport doesn't have Global Entry so it's looking less and less likely my NEXUS card will be of any use.

Too late now. I believe even their expidited service is slow (compared to Passport Canada anyway). I'm not even sure it was an option through the US Consulate. I can only hope that they see our departure day and are able to accommodate us. Will find out this coming Thursday if we'll get them in time or not.

I know for a fact you can cross by land with simply a driver's license and birth certificate (US citizens only, of course). They don't advertise that anywhere, but probably along the same lines as you said.

I suppose worst case they deny me entry and the airline flies me back home. I'm out the money, but at least I get to go for two plane rides!

I just got my nexus card in the mail today, and I went online to activate, but I do not see Activate Membership Card link in GOES? Should I be concerned?

Its BEFORE you login on the right hand side.

https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov/enrollm...onPreAction.do

This is very confusing if you don't know where it is. '

Of course, one would think that logically, you'd have to login to activate. But this world ain't always logical, is it.

my god...I am a moron...thanks!

I didn't think this deserved a new stand-alone thread, but I came across a previously unknown (to me) benefit of NEXUS today at YOW at CATSA screening before US CBP Preclearance.

Seems they were "randomly" selecting pax at the WTMD to get additional screening - either a MMW or a pat-down. (I say "randomly" because just about every other pax was selected.)

When I told the CATSA agent I would prefer the pat-down I was asked if I had anything in my pockets. I told him I had my BP, passport, and NEXUS card ... and then the female agent working with him told him that since I was NEXUS, I didn't need MMW or a pat-down, but they could simply swab my belongings for explosive traces.

The trick here is that I was never asked if I was NEXUS, but once I volunteered that I was (as part of the "what's in your pockets?" game) the rules changed. So, if you get "randomly" selected for additional screening and are offered MMW or pat-down, make sure you tell CATSA you are NEXUS and you get the secret third option.

Activation isn't really an issue. The card is useless to anyone else.

Maybe, but if you don't activate it, it may be useless to you as well.

Have no idea - I just activate my card when I receive it. It's very conceivable that if scanned as required in the new machines, it will come back with an error and a potential loss of Nexus for the person trying to use it.