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
#1096
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 2
Quick Clarification Question
I just received my card. I'm curious about something. Is Nexus just for travel between Canada and US or can I use Nexus when coming back from France to Canada. I am a Canadian citizen.
Thanks for your response in advance.
Deb C
Thanks for your response in advance.
Deb C
#1097
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Canada
Programs: AC SE 2MM, HH Dd, SPG; IC Pl/A; AA; DL
Posts: 14,338
You can use it for all your entries back into Canada but not into the USA (only from Canada for USA). I use it regularly coming back into Canada from trips to UK and China.
#1098
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 137
I am a new NEXUS member, and will be using it for the first time soon. I have a few questions:
1. What is the procedure (i.e. where do I go) for connecting from a domestic flight though YYC to a US destination? How about coming back through YYC from the US?
2. What is the procedure at YVR for US pre-clearance? How about coming back?
3. What is the policy on bringing food though using NEXUS? What about prepackaged food (e.g. chocolate, candies, etc.)?
Thanks for your help.
1. What is the procedure (i.e. where do I go) for connecting from a domestic flight though YYC to a US destination? How about coming back through YYC from the US?
2. What is the procedure at YVR for US pre-clearance? How about coming back?
3. What is the policy on bringing food though using NEXUS? What about prepackaged food (e.g. chocolate, candies, etc.)?
Thanks for your help.
#1099
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Canada
Programs: AC SE 2MM, HH Dd, SPG; IC Pl/A; AA; DL
Posts: 14,338
1. What is the procedure (i.e. where do I go) for connecting from a domestic flight though YYC to a US destination? How about coming back through YYC from the US?
You have to exit the domestic area and go to US side to clear US customs where NEXUS machines are located. There is a lot of construction and exits change frequently (I just came through there tonight and A security was totally closed). Just follow the signs, it's pretty simple. Coming back you will clear Canadian customs and use the NEXUS machines there and then go to the domestic side.
2. What is the procedure at YVR for US pre-clearance? How about coming back?
I'll let others deal with this but this is a more seamless operation than YYC depending where you are coming from. Similar to YYC for domestic to US transfers though--clear US Customs where NEXUS machines are located. Coming back, you clear Canada customs and use NEXUS machines there and then go to domestic side.
In both cases if you have checked luggage you will need to retrieve it from the baggage areas designated for you before US Customs/Canada Customs and then put it on the conveyor belt designated for US connections / domestic connections after clearing Canada Customs.
3. What is the policy on bringing food though using NEXUS? What about prepackaged food (e.g. chocolate, candies, etc.)?
DECLARE EVERYTHING OR DON'T BRING ANYTHING. I was told to declare chewing gum as they have a 0% tolerance for not declaring. It generally means secondary which is why the DON'T BRING ANYTHING is the fastest route. I once declared some seed/nut bars from China and it resulted in a secondary (fortunately very perfunctory but it could have been a long wait if I hadn't been pulled from lineup and asked what I was there for)
You have to exit the domestic area and go to US side to clear US customs where NEXUS machines are located. There is a lot of construction and exits change frequently (I just came through there tonight and A security was totally closed). Just follow the signs, it's pretty simple. Coming back you will clear Canadian customs and use the NEXUS machines there and then go to the domestic side.
2. What is the procedure at YVR for US pre-clearance? How about coming back?
I'll let others deal with this but this is a more seamless operation than YYC depending where you are coming from. Similar to YYC for domestic to US transfers though--clear US Customs where NEXUS machines are located. Coming back, you clear Canada customs and use NEXUS machines there and then go to domestic side.
In both cases if you have checked luggage you will need to retrieve it from the baggage areas designated for you before US Customs/Canada Customs and then put it on the conveyor belt designated for US connections / domestic connections after clearing Canada Customs.
3. What is the policy on bringing food though using NEXUS? What about prepackaged food (e.g. chocolate, candies, etc.)?
DECLARE EVERYTHING OR DON'T BRING ANYTHING. I was told to declare chewing gum as they have a 0% tolerance for not declaring. It generally means secondary which is why the DON'T BRING ANYTHING is the fastest route. I once declared some seed/nut bars from China and it resulted in a secondary (fortunately very perfunctory but it could have been a long wait if I hadn't been pulled from lineup and asked what I was there for)
#1100
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,943
I am a new NEXUS member, and will be using it for the first time soon. I have a few questions:
1. What is the procedure (i.e. where do I go) for connecting from a domestic flight though YYC to a US destination? How about coming back through YYC from the US?
2. What is the procedure at YVR for US pre-clearance? How about coming back?
3. What is the policy on bringing food though using NEXUS? What about prepackaged food (e.g. chocolate, candies, etc.)?
Thanks for your help.
1. What is the procedure (i.e. where do I go) for connecting from a domestic flight though YYC to a US destination? How about coming back through YYC from the US?
2. What is the procedure at YVR for US pre-clearance? How about coming back?
3. What is the policy on bringing food though using NEXUS? What about prepackaged food (e.g. chocolate, candies, etc.)?
Thanks for your help.
Food policy is the same as if you were going through regular customs and immigration - you need to declare everything. This means add the value of the food, and know the limits you are allowed to bring in. Note that you do not need to specifically declare separately many kinds of foods per the yes/no q's - both the US and Canadian declaration cards specify exactly what types of food you need to separately declare (meats, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, dairy, etc.). Read this carefully, and make sure you check "yes" if the foods you are bringing are specified in this section, and answer the kiosk question accordingly.
#1101
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 137
1. What is the procedure (i.e. where do I go) for connecting from a domestic flight though YYC to a US destination? How about coming back through YYC from the US?
You have to exit the domestic area and go to US side to clear US customs where NEXUS machines are located. There is a lot of construction and exits change frequently (I just came through there tonight and A security was totally closed). Just follow the signs, it's pretty simple. Coming back you will clear Canadian customs and use the NEXUS machines there and then go to the domestic side.
2. What is the procedure at YVR for US pre-clearance? How about coming back?
I'll let others deal with this but this is a more seamless operation than YYC depending where you are coming from. Similar to YYC for domestic to US transfers though--clear US Customs where NEXUS machines are located. Coming back, you clear Canada customs and use NEXUS machines there and then go to domestic side.
In both cases if you have checked luggage you will need to retrieve it from the baggage areas designated for you before US Customs/Canada Customs and then put it on the conveyor belt designated for US connections / domestic connections after clearing Canada Customs.
3. What is the policy on bringing food though using NEXUS? What about prepackaged food (e.g. chocolate, candies, etc.)?
DECLARE EVERYTHING OR DON'T BRING ANYTHING. I was told to declare chewing gum as they have a 0% tolerance for not declaring. It generally means secondary which is why the DON'T BRING ANYTHING is the fastest route. I once declared some seed/nut bars from China and it resulted in a secondary (fortunately very perfunctory but it could have been a long wait if I hadn't been pulled from lineup and asked what I was there for)
You have to exit the domestic area and go to US side to clear US customs where NEXUS machines are located. There is a lot of construction and exits change frequently (I just came through there tonight and A security was totally closed). Just follow the signs, it's pretty simple. Coming back you will clear Canadian customs and use the NEXUS machines there and then go to the domestic side.
2. What is the procedure at YVR for US pre-clearance? How about coming back?
I'll let others deal with this but this is a more seamless operation than YYC depending where you are coming from. Similar to YYC for domestic to US transfers though--clear US Customs where NEXUS machines are located. Coming back, you clear Canada customs and use NEXUS machines there and then go to domestic side.
In both cases if you have checked luggage you will need to retrieve it from the baggage areas designated for you before US Customs/Canada Customs and then put it on the conveyor belt designated for US connections / domestic connections after clearing Canada Customs.
3. What is the policy on bringing food though using NEXUS? What about prepackaged food (e.g. chocolate, candies, etc.)?
DECLARE EVERYTHING OR DON'T BRING ANYTHING. I was told to declare chewing gum as they have a 0% tolerance for not declaring. It generally means secondary which is why the DON'T BRING ANYTHING is the fastest route. I once declared some seed/nut bars from China and it resulted in a secondary (fortunately very perfunctory but it could have been a long wait if I hadn't been pulled from lineup and asked what I was there for)
i'm confused about where your flight originates to the US from - YYC or YVR. You will clear customs and immigration wherever your US-bound flights depart from. It sounds like you might be going YYC-YVR, then on to somewhere in the US. If this is the case, you would go through YYC as you would on any other domestic flight. When you arrive in YVR, follow the signs for US connections.
Food policy is the same as if you were going through regular customs and immigration - you need to declare everything. This means add the value of the food, and know the limits you are allowed to bring in. Note that you do not need to specifically declare separately many kinds of foods per the yes/no q's - both the US and Canadian declaration cards specify exactly what types of food you need to separately declare (meats, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, dairy, etc.). Read this carefully, and make sure you check "yes" if the foods you are bringing are specified in this section, and answer the kiosk question accordingly.
Food policy is the same as if you were going through regular customs and immigration - you need to declare everything. This means add the value of the food, and know the limits you are allowed to bring in. Note that you do not need to specifically declare separately many kinds of foods per the yes/no q's - both the US and Canadian declaration cards specify exactly what types of food you need to separately declare (meats, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, dairy, etc.). Read this carefully, and make sure you check "yes" if the foods you are bringing are specified in this section, and answer the kiosk question accordingly.
What exactly are the questions that I have to answer on the kiosk? It is my understanding from reading this thread that one of the questions on the kiosk asks if you answered "yes" to any of the questions in Part A of the Declaration Card: if so, you get an automatic secondary inspection.
So, is this correct: if I am bringing back pre-packaged food that doesn't contain "Meat/meat products; dairy products; fruits; vegetables; seeds; nuts; plants and animals or their parts/products; cut flowers; soil; wood/wood products; birds; insects", I would answer "no" to that question on the Declaration Card, and I would avoid a mandatory secondary inspection (assuming I answered "no" to all the other questions in Part A)? I would of course still declare it as part of the goods I am bringing back.
Thanks very much for the replies. So I gather that the NEXUS kiosks are always in the same area as the regular immigration lines, right?
#1102
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Canada
Programs: AC SE 2MM, HH Dd, SPG; IC Pl/A; AA; DL
Posts: 14,338
Declaration card obviously doesn't trigger (ie kiosks do) but the two are obviously related. If you answer yes to any of questions, likely secondary.
So, is this correct: if I am bringing back pre-packaged food that doesn't contain "Meat/meat products; dairy products; fruits; vegetables; seeds; nuts; plants and animals or their parts/products; cut flowers; soil; wood/wood products; birds; insects", I would answer "no" to that question on the Declaration Card, and I would avoid a mandatory secondary inspection (assuming I answered "no" to all the other questions in Part A)? I would of course still declare it as part of the goods I am bringing back.
If you answer no to all, likely no secondary but still possible as part of general procedure of auditing some pax.
There is good signage usually to direct you to Nexus machines. I always look on sides but can't remember each airport until I am there. Regular immigration lines are right next to them so you can judge whether you want to do regular lineup or machines. Sometimes it is faster to use a live person when there are no lineups!
So, is this correct: if I am bringing back pre-packaged food that doesn't contain "Meat/meat products; dairy products; fruits; vegetables; seeds; nuts; plants and animals or their parts/products; cut flowers; soil; wood/wood products; birds; insects", I would answer "no" to that question on the Declaration Card, and I would avoid a mandatory secondary inspection (assuming I answered "no" to all the other questions in Part A)? I would of course still declare it as part of the goods I am bringing back.
If you answer no to all, likely no secondary but still possible as part of general procedure of auditing some pax.
There is good signage usually to direct you to Nexus machines. I always look on sides but can't remember each airport until I am there. Regular immigration lines are right next to them so you can judge whether you want to do regular lineup or machines. Sometimes it is faster to use a live person when there are no lineups!
#1103
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: YYC
Posts: 495
Keep in mind Nexus is really a "trust" thing. Give them a reason to mistrust you, and they will take away your Nexus privileges.
As a non-Nexus example, I was once lightly chided by a Canadian customs official for bringing in a bottle of vanilla extract from Mexico, and failing to declare it. (I didn't do it on purpose, I just didn't even think about the bottle when filling out the customs form.) The vanilla bottle itself wasn't the issue, it was the failure to declare it, though still not a big deal in the end.
#1104
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 137
Declaration card obviously doesn't trigger (ie kiosks do) but the two are obviously related. If you answer yes to any of questions, likely secondary.
So, is this correct: if I am bringing back pre-packaged food that doesn't contain "Meat/meat products; dairy products; fruits; vegetables; seeds; nuts; plants and animals or their parts/products; cut flowers; soil; wood/wood products; birds; insects", I would answer "no" to that question on the Declaration Card, and I would avoid a mandatory secondary inspection (assuming I answered "no" to all the other questions in Part A)? I would of course still declare it as part of the goods I am bringing back.
If you answer no to all, likely no secondary but still possible as part of general procedure of auditing some pax.
There is good signage usually to direct you to Nexus machines. I always look on sides but can't remember each airport until I am there. Regular immigration lines are right next to them so you can judge whether you want to do regular lineup or machines. Sometimes it is faster to use a live person when there are no lineups!
So, is this correct: if I am bringing back pre-packaged food that doesn't contain "Meat/meat products; dairy products; fruits; vegetables; seeds; nuts; plants and animals or their parts/products; cut flowers; soil; wood/wood products; birds; insects", I would answer "no" to that question on the Declaration Card, and I would avoid a mandatory secondary inspection (assuming I answered "no" to all the other questions in Part A)? I would of course still declare it as part of the goods I am bringing back.
If you answer no to all, likely no secondary but still possible as part of general procedure of auditing some pax.
There is good signage usually to direct you to Nexus machines. I always look on sides but can't remember each airport until I am there. Regular immigration lines are right next to them so you can judge whether you want to do regular lineup or machines. Sometimes it is faster to use a live person when there are no lineups!
#1105
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 137
Interpreted widely enough, "plants and animals or their parts/products" could include essentially any food. Best practice would be to avoid taking any food, but if you do, declare it.
Keep in mind Nexus is really a "trust" thing. Give them a reason to mistrust you, and they will take away your Nexus privileges.
As a non-Nexus example, I was once lightly chided by a Canadian customs official for bringing in a bottle of vanilla extract from Mexico, and failing to declare it. (I didn't do it on purpose, I just didn't even think about the bottle when filling out the customs form.) The vanilla bottle itself wasn't the issue, it was the failure to declare it, though still not a big deal in the end.
Keep in mind Nexus is really a "trust" thing. Give them a reason to mistrust you, and they will take away your Nexus privileges.
As a non-Nexus example, I was once lightly chided by a Canadian customs official for bringing in a bottle of vanilla extract from Mexico, and failing to declare it. (I didn't do it on purpose, I just didn't even think about the bottle when filling out the customs form.) The vanilla bottle itself wasn't the issue, it was the failure to declare it, though still not a big deal in the end.
#1107
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC*SE 2MM, Asia Miles, SPG Gold (life), HH Gold, Golden Circle Jade
Posts: 1,068
Thanks for the reply. The issue isn't whether or not to declare, as I am always truthful in declaring what I bring back. The issue is whether or not to answer "yes" to the ""Meat/meat products; dairy products; fruits; vegetables; seeds; nuts; plants and animals or their parts/products; cut flowers; soil; wood/wood products; birds; insects" question. True, taken broadly enough, it could include pretty much all food, but I doubt that's what they are asking. It certainly would be much simpler to go through without any food, but if I am, I want to know if I can avoid a mandatory secondary inspection while following all the rules.
#1108
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,943
This is the problem with these forms. Sometimes I answer "yes" even though I know it's not what they're asking for because if they question, then they will get suspicious. Sometimes I answer "no" even though it fits in the question by definition because I know it's not what they're looking for and if they see "yes" there is a chance they will investigate and it will waste everyone's time. What's worse, they are completely inconsistent in handling of this. I had a hard time once because I had a cell phone with me and had not declared it as commercial goods (provided by my company). Other times I've been questioned as to why I bothered writing my cell phone in.
But to be more extreme, say you have a Kit Kat bar with you. Are you really supposed to check yes to dairy? Yes, there is a bit of milk in the chocolate, but certainly, this is not the kind of thing they want/need you to delare.
#1109
Join Date: Feb 2006
Programs: AC75 MM
Posts: 969
I sometimes bring in cheese and other foodstuffs and previously the Customs agent would ask a few questions and then wave me through. Once I was sent to AgCan and they weren't interested and told me the foods were OK in the future.
So that's the rule I apply (pasteurized hard cheese etc being OK).
If I were to lose my Nexus privileges over this I'd be mightily pissed.
So that's the rule I apply (pasteurized hard cheese etc being OK).
If I were to lose my Nexus privileges over this I'd be mightily pissed.
#1110
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,037
I've specifically asked US CBP about chocolate....specifically asked at different locations, ORD and YYZ, both said they do not need to be declared as food.