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
Dec 22, 2014, 3:24 pm
#9046
Join Date: Jan 2006
Programs: Lifetime Marriott Plat, UA 1K, Avis First, National Emerald Exec.
Posts: 69
Also no on card expedite. For what it's worth, once approved you will be able to use your passport in the Global Entry kiosks (at Pre-clearance leaving Canada or upon arrival in the US if coming from an airport without Pre-clearance) immediately, without waiting for the card.
Without a NEXUS card you wold have to use a regular lane for entry to Canada. Card typically takes about a week after approval to arrive.
Without a NEXUS card you wold have to use a regular lane for entry to Canada. Card typically takes about a week after approval to arrive.
Dec 22, 2014, 8:00 pm
#9047
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,894
Do you happen to have evidence of this? My card was recently in a stolen backpack, so I have re-applied, been conditionally approved, and awaiting the day of my interview. I can live with going to YYZ without Nexus for now, but my life would be greatly relaxed if I could use GE on the way out from YYZ.
Nexus requires you to carry your card with you to use. In the past, for air travel, you didn't have to show it most of the time, but were subject to have membership canceled if you are asked to produce it while using the kiosks. The new kiosks require you to enter the card (so I hear - haven't actually used them yet).
GE only requires your passport to use - there is no card required. Nexus members are given GE privileges (but AFAIK, don't officially have GE "membership"). You insert a passport into the maachine - in fact, many GE members don't have a card.
The trick in your case has to do with your current status. When one is approved at their interview, they can use GE right away, even before they receive a card, based on their Nexus membership being active. It probably depends on what the membership status is during the time you are waiting as a conditional approval, even though you were previously approved.
Probably best to call or visit a GE (or Nexus) office and ask them (US side, if a Nexus office) to check the status of your GE membership. That would be the most definitive answer you can probably get.
Dec 23, 2014, 9:56 am
#9048
Join Date: Jan 2006
Programs: Lifetime Marriott Plat, UA 1K, Avis First, National Emerald Exec.
Posts: 69
Nexus requires you to carry your card with you to use. In the past, for air travel, you didn't have to show it most of the time, but were subject to have membership canceled if you are asked to produce it while using the kiosks. The new kiosks require you to enter the card (so I hear - haven't actually used them yet).
Dec 23, 2014, 10:52 am
#9049
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: YVR
Posts: 243
Well now that is interesting. The one and only time I tried using a NEXUS machine (the old one, at YVR) I cancelled it halfway through and took myself, my wife, and kids over to the regular line (with the automated passport scanner) that was much faster than NEXUS check-in. If the new NEXUS machines are even slower then I doubt I'll ever try to use them again.
Dec 23, 2014, 1:55 pm
#9050
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: PHL
Programs: AA - Plat, HHonors - Diamond, IHG - Plat, Marriott - Gold, National - Exec, Amtrak - Select, NEXUS
Posts: 1,075
In my experience, I'm done with the new NEXUS machines in less than 60 seconds (used three times so far). Not sure if that is "slower" than the old machines (which I used exactly once) but I certainly don't consider the new machines to be slow by any stretch.
Dec 30, 2014, 1:39 pm
#9051
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 446
Just used the new machines for the first time on Sunday. Like you, it look less than 60 seconds. Found if I just looked into the camera and moved closer and closer until the dot turned green, it snapped a picture and I was pretty much good to go. My wife was able to get a capture even faster.
All in all, it went great. Can't say it was any better than the old machines (never had a problem with them, other than being down).
Dec 30, 2014, 6:45 pm
#9052
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 1
Are these the new machines?
My wife and I used NEXUS at YYZ on Dec. 12th. Two of the 3 machines were not working and the third was slow (20+ people in the line). We had to insert our NEXUS cards to get started so I think this is the new machine. It was not clear how to insert the card as the slot was too wide. Anyway we finally got it right and after that the iris scan was faster than the old machines. Reliability of the new machines seems to be a problem. They did not seem to be "brand new" http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/images/smilies/eek.gif
Dec 31, 2014, 11:51 am
#9053
Join Date: May 2014
Location: YYZ
Posts: 527
i was conditionally approved for nexus but the next available day at pearson isnt for a long time. how do I go about trying to get an earlier day? should I try calling them?
assuming that this can only be done online: which page should I continue to refresh? the "monthly" view of, lets say, january? or is there a separate page that would recognize cancellations faster?
assuming that this can only be done online: which page should I continue to refresh? the "monthly" view of, lets say, january? or is there a separate page that would recognize cancellations faster?
Dec 31, 2014, 12:09 pm
#9054
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: YUL
Programs: AC SE (*A Gold), Bonvoy Platinum Elite, Hilton Gold, Amex Platinum / AP Reserve, NEXUS, Global Entry
Posts: 5,693
i was conditionally approved for nexus but the next available day at pearson isnt for a long time. how do I go about trying to get an earlier day? should I try calling them?
assuming that this can only be done online: which page should I continue to refresh? the "monthly" view of, lets say, january? or is there a separate page that would recognize cancellations faster?
assuming that this can only be done online: which page should I continue to refresh? the "monthly" view of, lets say, january? or is there a separate page that would recognize cancellations faster?
Dec 31, 2014, 5:32 pm
#9055
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Watchlisted by the prejudiced, en route to purgatory
Programs: Just Say No to Fleecing and Blacklisting
Posts: 102,095
Indeed. It may also help to search a couple different times a day to see if anything opened up. Trying once a day may be less successful than trying it out two or three times in the course of a day. This seems to work better for more near-term appointment selection.
Dec 31, 2014, 9:00 pm
#9056
Join Date: May 2014
Location: YYZ
Posts: 527
thanks for the info. fingers crossed
Jan 1, 2015, 4:27 pm
#9057
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 446
i was conditionally approved for nexus but the next available day at pearson isnt for a long time. how do I go about trying to get an earlier day? should I try calling them?
assuming that this can only be done online: which page should I continue to refresh? the "monthly" view of, lets say, january? or is there a separate page that would recognize cancellations faster?
assuming that this can only be done online: which page should I continue to refresh? the "monthly" view of, lets say, january? or is there a separate page that would recognize cancellations faster?
Jan 3, 2015, 7:58 am
#9058
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,894
Ok...used the new Nexus machines at T1 YYZ yesterday. What a PITA. Seems like the government had way too much input into the design of the machines.
My card was read quickly, but the fact that you have to enter it into a deep, what I would call a kind of black hole, before it will read it is ridiculous. I'd be surprised if they're not seeing a rash of cards left behind these days, since you can't actually see the card once you've placed it in the machine.
I took it out before the iris scan (not sure if you are supposed to do that or wait until after the process is complete, but if the latter, even more reason to think that many might leave their cards behind. It wasn't so difficult for the camera to take the picture, per say, and like the orange light turning to green when you're in the right position much better now. However, after each try, it didn't recognize me, and on the third, said I wasn't a member. Ok. So went over to the next machine, and put the card in, and it took another two tries on the iris scan to get it to work. Once there, went quick.
Wish the Canadian folks would get together with the US folks (it is a joint program, isn't it?) and design a common machine for entry into either country. Is that too much to ask? I know it is...technically using GE into the US, but still. <end rant>
My card was read quickly, but the fact that you have to enter it into a deep, what I would call a kind of black hole, before it will read it is ridiculous. I'd be surprised if they're not seeing a rash of cards left behind these days, since you can't actually see the card once you've placed it in the machine.
I took it out before the iris scan (not sure if you are supposed to do that or wait until after the process is complete, but if the latter, even more reason to think that many might leave their cards behind. It wasn't so difficult for the camera to take the picture, per say, and like the orange light turning to green when you're in the right position much better now. However, after each try, it didn't recognize me, and on the third, said I wasn't a member. Ok. So went over to the next machine, and put the card in, and it took another two tries on the iris scan to get it to work. Once there, went quick.
Wish the Canadian folks would get together with the US folks (it is a joint program, isn't it?) and design a common machine for entry into either country. Is that too much to ask? I know it is...technically using GE into the US, but still. <end rant>
Jan 3, 2015, 9:18 am
#9059
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 2
(First Post) Looking for some advice/help for a trip I am making to Canada this summer. This will be my first time traveling to Canada via air, I have crossed the border via car many times. I get nervous when traveling by air, it will probably be worse for me now having customs to clear, so any hints/walkthru to make the process easier helps. I will be traveling alone.
I have a Nexus card without the iris scan, global entry and a US passport.
I will be traveling from MSP to YYZ to YYG.
1. Do I have to fill out a customs form on the plane when traveling from MSP to YYZ?
2. Can I use the Global entry Kisok when I get to YYZ from MSP to go thru Canadian customs? I don't think I can use the nexus kiosk because I don't have my iris scan? Can I get the iris scan while I am in the Toronto airport (walk-in)? If they don't have global entry kiosks, do I just get in line with everybody else?
3. How long does it take to get thru Canadian customs in YYZ ? Is 1.5 hours between flights enough time? Is it less time if I don't check a bag?
4. Returning to the US, do I clear customs in YYZ or MSP? Can I use Global entry kisok?
5. Is there a difference between the global entry kiosks and nexus kiosks?
Thank you in advance!
I have a Nexus card without the iris scan, global entry and a US passport.
I will be traveling from MSP to YYZ to YYG.
1. Do I have to fill out a customs form on the plane when traveling from MSP to YYZ?
2. Can I use the Global entry Kisok when I get to YYZ from MSP to go thru Canadian customs? I don't think I can use the nexus kiosk because I don't have my iris scan? Can I get the iris scan while I am in the Toronto airport (walk-in)? If they don't have global entry kiosks, do I just get in line with everybody else?
3. How long does it take to get thru Canadian customs in YYZ ? Is 1.5 hours between flights enough time? Is it less time if I don't check a bag?
4. Returning to the US, do I clear customs in YYZ or MSP? Can I use Global entry kisok?
5. Is there a difference between the global entry kiosks and nexus kiosks?
Thank you in advance!
Jan 3, 2015, 9:54 am
#9060
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: YUL
Programs: AC SE (*A Gold), Bonvoy Platinum Elite, Hilton Gold, Amex Platinum / AP Reserve, NEXUS, Global Entry
Posts: 5,693
(First Post) Looking for some advice/help for a trip I am making to Canada this summer. This will be my first time traveling to Canada via air, I have crossed the border via car many times. I get nervous when traveling by air, it will probably be worse for me now having customs to clear, so any hints/walkthru to make the process easier helps. I will be traveling alone.
I have a Nexus card without the iris scan, global entry and a US passport.
I will be traveling from MSP to YYZ to YYG.
1. Do I have to fill out a customs form on the plane when traveling from MSP to YYZ?
2. Can I use the Global entry Kisok when I get to YYZ from MSP to go thru Canadian customs? I don't think I can use the nexus kiosk because I don't have my iris scan? Can I get the iris scan while I am in the Toronto airport (walk-in)? If they don't have global entry kiosks, do I just get in line with everybody else?
3. How long does it take to get thru Canadian customs in YYZ ? Is 1.5 hours between flights enough time? Is it less time if I don't check a bag?
4. Returning to the US, do I clear customs in YYZ or MSP? Can I use Global entry kisok?
5. Is there a difference between the global entry kiosks and nexus kiosks?
Thank you in advance!
I have a Nexus card without the iris scan, global entry and a US passport.
I will be traveling from MSP to YYZ to YYG.
1. Do I have to fill out a customs form on the plane when traveling from MSP to YYZ?
2. Can I use the Global entry Kisok when I get to YYZ from MSP to go thru Canadian customs? I don't think I can use the nexus kiosk because I don't have my iris scan? Can I get the iris scan while I am in the Toronto airport (walk-in)? If they don't have global entry kiosks, do I just get in line with everybody else?
3. How long does it take to get thru Canadian customs in YYZ ? Is 1.5 hours between flights enough time? Is it less time if I don't check a bag?
4. Returning to the US, do I clear customs in YYZ or MSP? Can I use Global entry kisok?
5. Is there a difference between the global entry kiosks and nexus kiosks?
Thank you in advance!
1. Yes
2. Global Entry is used to enter the US only; there are no Global Entry kiosks when entering Canada. You can't use the Nexus kiosks since your iris scans aren't on file, but you might want to ask a CBSA agent if you can use the crew line. I don't see this as being a problem, but just ask first. If they don't allow you to use the crew line, then yes, you'll stand in line with everyone else. As for getting an iris scan done, they typically allow walk-ins but I don't know how long the process will take -- you might not have enough time during your layover.'
3. You should be fine with 1.5 hours, but it'll be tight if you're not able to use the crew line. Keep in mind you'll have to re-clear security before taking your flight to YYG, but since you have a Nexus card that should be pretty quick.
4. You use a Global Entry kiosk in YYZ to clear customs on your way back to MSP.
5. Yes. The Global Entry ones are a pleasure to use
