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
Jan 20, 2016, 1:39 pm
#9511
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 446
First time using NEXUS @ GE kiosk returning to US from EU a couple of weeks ago @ EWR & I ended up in queue since machines ( tried 3 different ones ) did not recognize me as TT .
Since then I read that if one has a green card then that is what one uses @ GE machines & not the NEXUS card ... any one confirm this ? I also have tried calling GOES support # a few times the last few days to ask them but only get a recorded message that the call cannot go through @ this time & to please try again ... anyone have a # that works ?
Since then I read that if one has a green card then that is what one uses @ GE machines & not the NEXUS card ... any one confirm this ? I also have tried calling GOES support # a few times the last few days to ask them but only get a recorded message that the call cannot go through @ this time & to please try again ... anyone have a # that works ?
Did you happen to try using your passport? Just wondering if you only tried 3 machines with your NEXUS card, why didn't you try your passport in any of them?
Jan 20, 2016, 2:13 pm
#9512
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: AC E35K, NEXUS
Posts: 4,368
Re the customs form, the way I have it figured is:
The GE form is in the GE machine, i.e., it asks the same questions on the machine as the form asks.
The NEXUS machine says "did you answer yes to any of the questions on the form?" which presupposes a completed form.
Into Canada via NEXUS, you need the form.
Into USA via GE, you use the terminal which is equivalent to the form.
The NEXUS machines into USA have disappeared from the places I go. They may still be elsewhere but I have not seen lately.
The GE form is in the GE machine, i.e., it asks the same questions on the machine as the form asks.
The NEXUS machine says "did you answer yes to any of the questions on the form?" which presupposes a completed form.
Into Canada via NEXUS, you need the form.
Into USA via GE, you use the terminal which is equivalent to the form.
The NEXUS machines into USA have disappeared from the places I go. They may still be elsewhere but I have not seen lately.
Jan 20, 2016, 2:27 pm
#9513
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 26
What did you insert into the machine? From what was mentioned on this thread a while back, if you're departing Canada you can use the NEXUS card in the GE kiosk in pre-clearance (I've personally confirmed that this works) but that at kiosks in the US you can only use your passport (or maybe green card.. I don't have one so I wouldn't be able to test).
Did you happen to try using your passport? Just wondering if you only tried 3 machines with your NEXUS card, why didn't you try your passport in any of them?
Did you happen to try using your passport? Just wondering if you only tried 3 machines with your NEXUS card, why didn't you try your passport in any of them?
I did try my passport as well but maybe after a couple of tries I was locked out ? There was someone standing with me @ the machine ... perhaps the camera caught their image instead of mine ... then when i repeatedly tried again the info. didn't jive . I even asked an agent standing there if I was doing it correctly & the answer was yes . I had thought the TT card would be the one you used in a TT machine since all info ( i.e. passport ) is within it & that is what you use @ land border crossings (which I have done many times ) My mistake for not looking into it before using but I would still like to talk to a GOES agent just to make sure there are no other issues involved .
Jan 20, 2016, 5:26 pm
#9514
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,639
sorry didn't wade through the whole thread !
I did try my passport as well but maybe after a couple of tries I was locked out ? There was someone standing with me @ the machine ... perhaps the camera caught their image instead of mine ... then when i repeatedly tried again the info. didn't jive . I even asked an agent standing there if I was doing it correctly & the answer was yes . I had thought the TT card would be the one you used in a TT machine since all info ( i.e. passport ) is within it & that is what you use @ land border crossings (which I have done many times ) My mistake for not looking into it before using but I would still like to talk to a GOES agent just to make sure there are no other issues involved .
I did try my passport as well but maybe after a couple of tries I was locked out ? There was someone standing with me @ the machine ... perhaps the camera caught their image instead of mine ... then when i repeatedly tried again the info. didn't jive . I even asked an agent standing there if I was doing it correctly & the answer was yes . I had thought the TT card would be the one you used in a TT machine since all info ( i.e. passport ) is within it & that is what you use @ land border crossings (which I have done many times ) My mistake for not looking into it before using but I would still like to talk to a GOES agent just to make sure there are no other issues involved .
Jan 20, 2016, 11:11 pm
#9515
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,891
First time using NEXUS @ GE kiosk returning to US from EU a couple of weeks ago @ EWR & I ended up in queue since machines ( tried 3 different ones ) did not recognize me as TT .
Since then I read that if one has a green card then that is what one uses @ GE machines & not the NEXUS card ... any one confirm this ? I also have tried calling GOES support # a few times the last few days to ask them but only get a recorded message that the call cannot go through @ this time & to please try again ... anyone have a # that works ?
Since then I read that if one has a green card then that is what one uses @ GE machines & not the NEXUS card ... any one confirm this ? I also have tried calling GOES support # a few times the last few days to ask them but only get a recorded message that the call cannot go through @ this time & to please try again ... anyone have a # that works ?
Yes, if you have a green card, that is what you use at the GE machine. If you are not a permanent resident, you're supposed to use your passport. If you are a US permanent resident, but insert your passport instead, it should recognize you as a GC holder and ask you to use it instead.
Finally, if the reader doesn't recognize the documents properly, there is a button on screen you can press that says "Problem reading document?" And pressing that will allow you to enter your passport or GC # manually.
Jan 21, 2016, 8:14 am
#9516
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 446
sorry didn't wade through the whole thread !
I did try my passport as well but maybe after a couple of tries I was locked out ? There was someone standing with me @ the machine ... perhaps the camera caught their image instead of mine ... then when i repeatedly tried again the info. didn't jive . I even asked an agent standing there if I was doing it correctly & the answer was yes . I had thought the TT card would be the one you used in a TT machine since all info ( i.e. passport ) is within it & that is what you use @ land border crossings (which I have done many times ) My mistake for not looking into it before using but I would still like to talk to a GOES agent just to make sure there are no other issues involved .
I did try my passport as well but maybe after a couple of tries I was locked out ? There was someone standing with me @ the machine ... perhaps the camera caught their image instead of mine ... then when i repeatedly tried again the info. didn't jive . I even asked an agent standing there if I was doing it correctly & the answer was yes . I had thought the TT card would be the one you used in a TT machine since all info ( i.e. passport ) is within it & that is what you use @ land border crossings (which I have done many times ) My mistake for not looking into it before using but I would still like to talk to a GOES agent just to make sure there are no other issues involved .
That's really strange that your passport didn't work though. I'm not sure that what was in the field of view of the camera would make a difference. I believe the first thing you do is insert your passport and the camera doesn't come in to play until towards the end.
So what happened when you tried using your passport? If my memory is correct:
-You press something on the screen to start the process
-Prompts you to insert your passport
-Confirm your flight details
-Answer the questions about what you're bringing with you
-Fingerprints
-Takes picture
-Prints receipt
I'm guessing you only made it to step 2
I've never been to a GE office before, but the NEXUS office used to have a dummy NEXUS kiosk. Wondering if the GE offices have a dummy GE kiosk you can try it out on. Failing that I'd log in to GOES and verify your passport information is correct, or else visit an office and see if they can check your account.
Jan 22, 2016, 2:10 pm
#9517
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: DUB/YHZ/PVD
Programs: AF Plat, SPG Titanium
Posts: 534
Quick question. I use NEXUS for personal travel, and that's how I registered. I have a one-off conference coming up in Ireland next month and then maybe a once-off conference trip to the States over the summer. The rest of my travels will be entirely for visiting friends and family and touristy-type stuff.
The CBSA website says I need to go into the office to update reason of travel, but is that just if my reasons permanently change, or do I need to go every time my reason for travel changes?
The CBSA website says I need to go into the office to update reason of travel, but is that just if my reasons permanently change, or do I need to go every time my reason for travel changes?
Jan 22, 2016, 9:20 pm
#9518
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: AC E35K, NEXUS
Posts: 4,368
My understanding was that the default reason for travel was for the majority, but the occasional different purpose you just indicate. My usual is business (B1) but when I am going for leisure, I put leisure (B2). In that way, it becomes obvious if you are indicating the other one more than the one you put as your default, and then you should change the default.
Jan 25, 2016, 8:03 am
#9519
Join Date: May 2012
Location: YOW
Programs: UA*1K, Marriott Titanium (LTP), Hilton Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,665
Quick question. I use NEXUS for personal travel, and that's how I registered. I have a one-off conference coming up in Ireland next month and then maybe a once-off conference trip to the States over the summer. The rest of my travels will be entirely for visiting friends and family and touristy-type stuff.
The CBSA website says I need to go into the office to update reason of travel, but is that just if my reasons permanently change, or do I need to go every time my reason for travel changes?
The CBSA website says I need to go into the office to update reason of travel, but is that just if my reasons permanently change, or do I need to go every time my reason for travel changes?
I asked the same about personal travel, and they said that they simply want to know the primary travel reason - if you mainly travel on business, or for personal reasons. If you have additional trips other than your primary reason, there are no issues.
So unless your primary means of travel has changed, you don't need to make any changes. Currently I do around 70% business, 30% personal.
Jan 31, 2016, 12:46 pm
#9520
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 26
US agent should have told you how it works at your interview. By the way, technically, you don't use "Nexus" at a GE kiosk, you are using GE.
Yes, if you have a green card, that is what you use at the GE machine. If you are not a permanent resident, you're supposed to use your passport. If you are a US permanent resident, but insert your passport instead, it should recognize you as a GC holder and ask you to use it instead.
Finally, if the reader doesn't recognize the documents properly, there is a button on screen you can press that says "Problem reading document?" And pressing that will allow you to enter your passport or GC # manually.
Yes, if you have a green card, that is what you use at the GE machine. If you are not a permanent resident, you're supposed to use your passport. If you are a US permanent resident, but insert your passport instead, it should recognize you as a GC holder and ask you to use it instead.
Finally, if the reader doesn't recognize the documents properly, there is a button on screen you can press that says "Problem reading document?" And pressing that will allow you to enter your passport or GC # manually.
Thanks to all the info here I will @ least know the procedure next time , ha ! Feel a bit foolish
Jan 31, 2016, 2:51 pm
#9521
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: YVR
Posts: 243
Global Entry Benefit: As a NEXUS member, you can now use the Global Entry kiosks located at the top 20 major U.S. international airports to enter the U.S. To use the Global Entry kiosks, you must use a valid machine readable passport. Do not use your NEXUS card in the kiosk, but you may wish to carry it with you. There is no additional cost to use Global Entry, and you may use it for the duration of your NEXUS membership. Additional information about Global Entry can be found at http://www.GlobalEntry.gov/. If you do not wish to use Global Entry kiosks, please disregard this message.
Jan 31, 2016, 8:43 pm
#9522
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: AC E35K, NEXUS
Posts: 4,368
I have been using my NEXUS until the last couple of times, when I used my passport, even though I knew from this thread that the NEXUS card was not supposed to be used. I figured if it worked, why not? It seems poor design for them to make it work if they don't want it used. Like, if they don't want the card used, put a flag on the NEXUS bar code that is linked to the passport so that the GE machine displays the message "We know who you are but we want you to put your passport, not your NEXUS card, in the machine."
Edited to add, last time I passed through, this sad sack guy was standing there in the long line for the X and O officer because he could not figure out how to use the GE machine. I finally showed him where to put the NEXUS card but he did not seem to have a passport handy. Once he used the NEXUS, he was on his way. Maybe I abetted a traveller who was breaking the "never leave the passport at home" rule. Oops my bad.
Edited to add, last time I passed through, this sad sack guy was standing there in the long line for the X and O officer because he could not figure out how to use the GE machine. I finally showed him where to put the NEXUS card but he did not seem to have a passport handy. Once he used the NEXUS, he was on his way. Maybe I abetted a traveller who was breaking the "never leave the passport at home" rule. Oops my bad.
Jan 31, 2016, 10:27 pm
#9523
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
Jan 31, 2016, 11:28 pm
#9524
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: AC E35K, NEXUS
Posts: 4,368
Thanks! Good catch.
This creates a whole new layer of ambiguity introducing the new concept of "allow transborder air travel with just the NEXUS card + biometrics" when we've been told that having our passport on our person is a requirement of the program.
Still, it's good to know I am not breaking rules using the card in the machine. I am not cut out for rule breaking.
This creates a whole new layer of ambiguity introducing the new concept of "allow transborder air travel with just the NEXUS card + biometrics" when we've been told that having our passport on our person is a requirement of the program.
Still, it's good to know I am not breaking rules using the card in the machine. I am not cut out for rule breaking.
Feb 1, 2016, 12:04 am
#9525
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
a NEXUS Air membership card is a document sufficient to denote identity and citizenship for United States citizens, Canadian citizens, and permanent residents of Canada when arriving in the United States as a NEXUS Air program participant and when using a NEXUS Air kiosk at designated airports. Accordingly, United States and Canadian citizens who present an NEXUS Air card when using a NEXUS Air kiosk, would continue to be exempt from the requirement to present a passport when arriving in the United States at air ports- of-entry.