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
May 29, 2015, 7:03 pm
#9271
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,891
I ran into a real cluster when trying to update my new Passport to my Nexus card.
I went online and updated the new Passport into GOES. Done. Called NEXUS and they told me I must come in as well to show the new Passport and to have it Scanned in. I then flew to Detroit to stop in and do this in person at the Ambassador Bridge. I called them and asked for specific directions to THAT Nexus location because I was not familiar with it. The Officer asked me where I was coming from. I said the Detroit Metro Airport. He stated (paraphrasing but VERY close to this);
"You don't have to come to the bridge. Just go to the Global Entry (GE) office at the Detroit Metro Airport. They will take your new passport and scan it in there." I said, "Great, I'm here. I'll get it done immediately."
Went to the GE office at the Detroit Metro Airport, gave the greeting officer my documents, and waited. Finally another officer came out to talk to me. He said he had NO CLUE what I was doing there and didn't know what I wanted him to do. I told him that I called Nexus at the Ambassador Bridge and they directed me to the Detroit Metro GE office so that they could SCAN IN my new Passport.
The officer at GE told me that there was no need. He said that when I went online at GOES and put in my new Passport Number, it automatically ported a scanned copy to my profile. THIS IS WHAT HE TOLD ME. I said, "But the Nexus officer told me it was not. Can you please check again."
He stated that he did check and it WAS in there and that someone was misinformed and that you do not need to report to an office with a new Passport. We went round and round on this with me insisting that Nexus told me I MUST go there. He kept stating my Global Entry was fine, and I kept saying, "That May Be, but is my NEXUS BORDER CROSSING FINE?" He kept saying yes. He told me everything was in my profile ALREADY from my online GOES account and that there was NOTHING more he could do for me. I finally left.
Decided to call Nexus Ambassador Bridge one more time and got the same officer on the phone. He was aghast. He told me specifically that the GE officer was WRONG and that someone somewhere must have scanned in my passport because it was in there. I assured him that no one had scanned in my new Passport. Told him the GE officer stated it was already in there from GOES online by putting my new passport number in.
He said I was set, but asked me for my new drivers license expiration date to update that. I gave it to him and I'm done.
What it seems to me is that One hand does NOT QUITE know what the other hand is doing. No one scanned in my new Passport but it is showing on Nexus. I asked the Nexus officer if he was then SURE I was OK with the Canadians as well and he assured me I was, and that my Nexus was good until my Drivers License or Passport or Nexus Card expired.
What a red tape cluster.
I guess the simple answer is, when in doubt GO TO NEXUS and ONLY NEXUS. I have a feeling that Global Entry officers may not know the real scoop on Nexus requirements, and I also think that perhaps now GOES does port your actual new Passport TO Global Entry/NEXUS when you update your online account with your new Passport number. My new Passport was just issued in March so perhaps this new "Crosstalk" between agencies in rather new? I'm shooting darts at a board here.
Just letting you know what happened on my end. I'm not making this stuff up. Why would I? I personally think that it's simply large governmental implementation combined with four agencies (GOES, Global Entry, NEXUS American, NEXUS Canadian) that causes confusion among officers. There is not quite enough standardization yet between GOES, Global Entry and NEXUS. I think over the next five years or so we'll see more automation and better information flowing between agencies.
At least, I hope so.
I went online and updated the new Passport into GOES. Done. Called NEXUS and they told me I must come in as well to show the new Passport and to have it Scanned in. I then flew to Detroit to stop in and do this in person at the Ambassador Bridge. I called them and asked for specific directions to THAT Nexus location because I was not familiar with it. The Officer asked me where I was coming from. I said the Detroit Metro Airport. He stated (paraphrasing but VERY close to this);
"You don't have to come to the bridge. Just go to the Global Entry (GE) office at the Detroit Metro Airport. They will take your new passport and scan it in there." I said, "Great, I'm here. I'll get it done immediately."
Went to the GE office at the Detroit Metro Airport, gave the greeting officer my documents, and waited. Finally another officer came out to talk to me. He said he had NO CLUE what I was doing there and didn't know what I wanted him to do. I told him that I called Nexus at the Ambassador Bridge and they directed me to the Detroit Metro GE office so that they could SCAN IN my new Passport.
The officer at GE told me that there was no need. He said that when I went online at GOES and put in my new Passport Number, it automatically ported a scanned copy to my profile. THIS IS WHAT HE TOLD ME. I said, "But the Nexus officer told me it was not. Can you please check again."
He stated that he did check and it WAS in there and that someone was misinformed and that you do not need to report to an office with a new Passport. We went round and round on this with me insisting that Nexus told me I MUST go there. He kept stating my Global Entry was fine, and I kept saying, "That May Be, but is my NEXUS BORDER CROSSING FINE?" He kept saying yes. He told me everything was in my profile ALREADY from my online GOES account and that there was NOTHING more he could do for me. I finally left.
Decided to call Nexus Ambassador Bridge one more time and got the same officer on the phone. He was aghast. He told me specifically that the GE officer was WRONG and that someone somewhere must have scanned in my passport because it was in there. I assured him that no one had scanned in my new Passport. Told him the GE officer stated it was already in there from GOES online by putting my new passport number in.
He said I was set, but asked me for my new drivers license expiration date to update that. I gave it to him and I'm done.
What it seems to me is that One hand does NOT QUITE know what the other hand is doing. No one scanned in my new Passport but it is showing on Nexus. I asked the Nexus officer if he was then SURE I was OK with the Canadians as well and he assured me I was, and that my Nexus was good until my Drivers License or Passport or Nexus Card expired.
What a red tape cluster.
I guess the simple answer is, when in doubt GO TO NEXUS and ONLY NEXUS. I have a feeling that Global Entry officers may not know the real scoop on Nexus requirements, and I also think that perhaps now GOES does port your actual new Passport TO Global Entry/NEXUS when you update your online account with your new Passport number. My new Passport was just issued in March so perhaps this new "Crosstalk" between agencies in rather new? I'm shooting darts at a board here.
Just letting you know what happened on my end. I'm not making this stuff up. Why would I? I personally think that it's simply large governmental implementation combined with four agencies (GOES, Global Entry, NEXUS American, NEXUS Canadian) that causes confusion among officers. There is not quite enough standardization yet between GOES, Global Entry and NEXUS. I think over the next five years or so we'll see more automation and better information flowing between agencies.
At least, I hope so.
This explains why the GE office said everything was done - to them, it was. The Canadians don't have the updates until you show up to the office.
On the other hand, its definitely a PITA that they don't share info. given its a joint border program. However, its likely because of privacy.
May 29, 2015, 9:37 pm
#9272
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: YUL
Programs: AC SE (*A Gold), Bonvoy Platinum Elite, Hilton Gold, Amex Platinum / AP Reserve, NEXUS, Global Entry
Posts: 5,691
May 29, 2015, 11:27 pm
#9273
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: 1,202
It's unfortunate that there was this confusion. However, its in several places in this thread. Updating GOES updates the US side only. The Canadians use different system and computer, and so updating online doesn't update them. Which is why they always tell you to do it in person (and they always photocopy it at the office).
The CBSA's website for NEXUS members has been updated recently (see my earlier comment on this thread) and now says it's no longer necessary to visit in person to update passport information. I suspect they have worked out the previous issues with information sharing.
May 30, 2015, 11:14 am
#9274
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: YVR
Posts: 243
Now that CBSA has updated its information page stating specifically that a visit to an enrollment centre up update passport information is not necessary, it does seem that the software glitch has been resolved.
May 30, 2015, 5:42 pm
#9275
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 446
It's more likely because of a computer glitch, not privacy. When we originally apply we apply through GOES, and CBSA gets all of that information. Then when we update our passport info on GOES, CBSA doesn't get that update because of privacy? That can't be right. It is far more likely that some software designer forgot to do something; especially since CBSA has always said that updating passport information in GOES is all that is necessary.
Now that CBSA has updated its information page stating specifically that a visit to an enrollment centre up update passport information is not necessary, it does seem that the software glitch has been resolved.
Now that CBSA has updated its information page stating specifically that a visit to an enrollment centre up update passport information is not necessary, it does seem that the software glitch has been resolved.
A year later I went in to add my Canadian passport and the CBSA person tells me they don't have any passports on file for me. I explained this should have been done in the first place, and if they could simply take the info from the CBP computer directly beside them. Their answer was a firm "no, we need to need it".
There may have been some broken link between the two systems, but there seemed to be some broken policy on how the joint program is/was run.
May 30, 2015, 8:16 pm
#9276
Join Date: Nov 2011
Programs: AC*P25K, NEXUS
Posts: 22
It's more likely because of a computer glitch, not privacy. When we originally apply we apply through GOES, and CBSA gets all of that information. Then when we update our passport info on GOES, CBSA doesn't get that update because of privacy? That can't be right. It is far more likely that some software designer forgot to do something; especially since CBSA has always said that updating passport information in GOES is all that is necessary.
Now that CBSA has updated its information page stating specifically that a visit to an enrollment centre up update passport information is not necessary, it does seem that the software glitch has been resolved.
Now that CBSA has updated its information page stating specifically that a visit to an enrollment centre up update passport information is not necessary, it does seem that the software glitch has been resolved.
Recently, when I went to the Nexus office to correct a few mistakes on my profile, the CBSA officer had to call over a CBP officer before she was able to do anything. They did everything in parallel, comparing information on two different computer screens.
On other occasions, whenever I have updated documentation in person, the officer for one agency will update the information in their system, make a photocopy of the doc, and give the photocopy to the officer from the other agency. It always seems like things need to be entered twice.
Of course, if something has changed in the last few months and they can now share passport info electronically, that would be great.
May 30, 2015, 8:52 pm
#9277
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,891
Does anyone else find that going through nexus/global entry into the U.S. Is the same exact experience as going through normally? At least at YOW this has been my experience every time I've gone through, other than having a shorter line.
Just curious. Going into canada has always been great.
Just curious. Going into canada has always been great.
YYZ, you used to get the receipt at the kiosk, and just hand it in where everyone else hands in their customs card. Now, you have to show the booth your receipt - unless I get an X though, I've never been stopped for any questions, in fact, just holding it up as I go by seems to be sufficient. Event when I got an "X", for declaring food, I was asked what I had, and sent on my way about 10 seconds later. I don't even think they asked for a passport.
May 30, 2015, 11:08 pm
#9278
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Programs: United MileagePlus Silver, Nexus, Global Entry
Posts: 8,798
The primary advantage is the GE queues tend to be shorter than the non-GE queue.
Other than that, the same.
Jun 1, 2015, 9:03 am
#9279
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: YUL
Programs: AC SE (*A Gold), Bonvoy Platinum Elite, Hilton Gold, Amex Platinum / AP Reserve, NEXUS, Global Entry
Posts: 5,691
Quick data point: it took 4 weeks for my infant son's application to be conditionally accepted. First available interview at YUL is in July.
Jun 1, 2015, 10:13 am
#9280
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: PDX
Programs: AA Plat, Nexus
Posts: 358
NEXUS approved - process update
Applied: late 12/14 or early 1/15.
Conditional approval: 1/15.
Interview date changed multiple times for various reasons. Because it never quite fit, I finally gave up on my plans to make a short mini-vacation to Vancouver for the interview, and scheduled at Blaine instead.
As it's a 5+ hour drive from Portland, I scheduled for 1700 on a Sunday to give myself plenty of time to eventually make it out of the house and avoid most traffic.
I arrived at 1445, and asked if they could take me early. At 1505 I walked out the door, done. At 15:21, I received a status update email from GOES - approved.
Item of note: The CBSA agent suggested that at some point I stop by a NEXUS office with my birth certificate. She said that the birth certificate is proof of citizenship, and never expires. With that on file, an expired passport (for instance when the new passport hasn't yet been entered in CBSA systems) won't be in violation, as they'll *always* have valid proof of citizenship.
Conditional approval: 1/15.
Interview date changed multiple times for various reasons. Because it never quite fit, I finally gave up on my plans to make a short mini-vacation to Vancouver for the interview, and scheduled at Blaine instead.
As it's a 5+ hour drive from Portland, I scheduled for 1700 on a Sunday to give myself plenty of time to eventually make it out of the house and avoid most traffic.
I arrived at 1445, and asked if they could take me early. At 1505 I walked out the door, done. At 15:21, I received a status update email from GOES - approved.
Item of note: The CBSA agent suggested that at some point I stop by a NEXUS office with my birth certificate. She said that the birth certificate is proof of citizenship, and never expires. With that on file, an expired passport (for instance when the new passport hasn't yet been entered in CBSA systems) won't be in violation, as they'll *always* have valid proof of citizenship.
Jun 1, 2015, 5:53 pm
#9281
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: FL35
Programs: DL DM, AS MVPG, AA PP, UA 1K, Bonvoy Plat, Hyatt Globalist, HH Gold, Avis PC, Hertz PC, Natl EE
Posts: 420
First, I searched this thread a lot and read every post about activation.
So here is my situation/question:
My SO and I got Nexus in 2011 to save $50 pp vs the cost of Global Entry. She has used GE extensively, but she has never used a land border crossing with NEXUS card.
1) When she hits the GOES home page without logging in she doesn't see the the activate link that is shown in the GOES Help pages. Instead the Activate "box" says "You must sign in to activate your card. If you do not have a GOES User ID, please register. During registration you must provide your PASSID/Membership Number. After you sign in, click on the Activate Membership Card button under the Program Membership(s) section on the Home page."
2) When she logs in and manages her existing membership there is not an activate link on the main page or the manage area either.
3) She can't remember if she activated already, but she is worried about having trouble at the border.
4) Her activation worry stems from my recent experience using NEXUS the first time coming from Canada into the US border. I found out my Nexus card (obtained at same time) was not activated because the CBP detained me at the crossing. I had to wait for over an hour in line and then they just said "you were supposed to activate this card when you got it 4 years ago". I was surprised as I didn't recall them telling us to do that. I have used NEXUS one more time since then without issue.
Is there anyway to know the card you have is activated without the cranky Men In Black detaining you from the Nexus lane the first time if you missed the original 30 day window?
So here is my situation/question:
My SO and I got Nexus in 2011 to save $50 pp vs the cost of Global Entry. She has used GE extensively, but she has never used a land border crossing with NEXUS card.
1) When she hits the GOES home page without logging in she doesn't see the the activate link that is shown in the GOES Help pages. Instead the Activate "box" says "You must sign in to activate your card. If you do not have a GOES User ID, please register. During registration you must provide your PASSID/Membership Number. After you sign in, click on the Activate Membership Card button under the Program Membership(s) section on the Home page."
2) When she logs in and manages her existing membership there is not an activate link on the main page or the manage area either.
3) She can't remember if she activated already, but she is worried about having trouble at the border.
4) Her activation worry stems from my recent experience using NEXUS the first time coming from Canada into the US border. I found out my Nexus card (obtained at same time) was not activated because the CBP detained me at the crossing. I had to wait for over an hour in line and then they just said "you were supposed to activate this card when you got it 4 years ago". I was surprised as I didn't recall them telling us to do that. I have used NEXUS one more time since then without issue.
Is there anyway to know the card you have is activated without the cranky Men In Black detaining you from the Nexus lane the first time if you missed the original 30 day window?
Jun 3, 2015, 8:00 am
#9282
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 446
I'd say call. I don't believe there is any way anyone on here can help. The link is probably visible for 30 days within the account and outside of that window it's not available.
Best of luck.
Jun 5, 2015, 8:04 pm
#9283
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: FL35
Programs: DL DM, AS MVPG, AA PP, UA 1K, Bonvoy Plat, Hyatt Globalist, HH Gold, Avis PC, Hertz PC, Natl EE
Posts: 420
I think the only ways you're going to know for sure is to either call the NEXUS number, phone/visit an enrollment center, or attempt to cross with the card. Obviously I can't say for certain, but if you didn't think you needed to activate your card then it's very likely she didn't activate her card.
I'd say call. I don't believe there is any way anyone on here can help. The link is probably visible for 30 days within the account and outside of that window it's not available.
Best of luck.
I'd say call. I don't believe there is any way anyone on here can help. The link is probably visible for 30 days within the account and outside of that window it's not available.
Best of luck.
Jun 7, 2015, 11:25 pm
#9284
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: PDX
Programs: AA Plat, Nexus
Posts: 358
Just as an FYI, the "activate" link doesn't really stand out. It's right underneath the "::Program Membership::" on the main page when signed in. Do NOT click on "Manage Membership".
Here's a mockup - the font and possibly wording is off for the activate card link, as I'm working from memory, but the location is correct.
[
Here's a mockup - the font and possibly wording is off for the activate card link, as I'm working from memory, but the location is correct.
[
Last edited by Cat Man Do; Jun 7, 2015 at 11:31 pm
Jun 8, 2015, 9:30 am
#9285
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: MSY
Posts: 312
Renewal Conditionally Approved - Interview?
My wife and I recently completed our renewal applications for NEXUS and were conditionally approved over the weekend. I didn't realize we had to go for an interview; we live in New Orleans and have no plans to be in Canada (or near any of the other interview locations) any time soon. Do we need to complete this interview within a specific time period (we are already registered on GOES and they have all the information requested for the interview)? Any suggestions on how to clear this step in the least painful way? Thanks all!