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
Nov 25, 2007, 5:49 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Programs: Hertz Five Star, National Emerald Club, Avis Preferred, Aeroplan
Posts: 90
Archived: The NEXUS Information Thread
I noticed on this web site that a lot of people have questions regarding the NEXUS program. I think it would be a good idea to start a thread to answer people's questions regarding the NEXUS program and to supply information on how the NEXUS program works.
Here are some links to information on the NEXUS program (updated Aug 18th, 2009):
NEXUS Information - Canada Border Service Agency
NEXUS Information - U.S. Customs and Border Protection
NEXUS Information Guide (PDF Version)
NEXUS Application (PDF Version)
NEXUS Online Application (GOES)
The cost of applying for NEXUS is currently $50. There are over 250,000 people who are currently using NEXUS. NEXUS members must renew their application every five years.
Here are some links to information on the NEXUS program (updated Aug 18th, 2009):
NEXUS Information - Canada Border Service Agency
NEXUS Information - U.S. Customs and Border Protection
NEXUS Information Guide (PDF Version)
NEXUS Application (PDF Version)
NEXUS Online Application (GOES)
The cost of applying for NEXUS is currently $50. There are over 250,000 people who are currently using NEXUS. NEXUS members must renew their application every five years.
Last edited by ChopSuey; Aug 18, 2009 at 7:34 am
Nov 25, 2007, 5:51 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: YYZ at this time
Programs: ACMM / Altitude S100K / HH Diamond
Posts: 6,285
It is only 50.00 CDN after Dec 01 ... not retroactive ... so make sure you either do it after Dec 01 or use the GOES site (see link above) and be charged 50 USD or you will be charged 80 CDN (up to Dec 01 2007).
Once you get your Nexus it is contingent upon you to update with the Nexus folks any changes to your documents - for instance you get a new driver's license (or renew it) or renew your passport, you must update the information with Nexus. In fact if I am not mistaken, it is now setup so that your Nexus is terminated just before your passport expires, so it is wise to renew your passport well in advance and pass that information along.
Once you get your Nexus it is contingent upon you to update with the Nexus folks any changes to your documents - for instance you get a new driver's license (or renew it) or renew your passport, you must update the information with Nexus. In fact if I am not mistaken, it is now setup so that your Nexus is terminated just before your passport expires, so it is wise to renew your passport well in advance and pass that information along.
Last edited by TWA884; May 15, 2019 at 1:14 pm Reason: Merge consecutive posts by the same member
Nov 25, 2007, 6:51 pm
#3
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: YYZ
Posts: 1,629
For example, I got my card in Sept 2007 but my BDay is Feb 1. My Nexus expiry date is Feb 1, 2013.
As previously stated, it is the travellers responsibility to update any information changes. Any document related changes must be updated in person. But for address or credit card, you can fax in the form (provided at interview for such purpose) to the local Nexus office.
Nov 25, 2007, 7:11 pm
#4
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: YYZ at this time
Programs: ACMM / Altitude S100K / HH Diamond
Posts: 6,285
Yes - on the expiry date. However I was told by US Immigration that the system is setup to cancel your Nexus the day before your passport expires if you have not provided them with a new passport expiry date. Nothing to do with how long your Nexus can be active ... it can still be active for the 5 years ... but if you do not provide them with updated passport information (if your passport expires before your Nexus does), they stated emphatically that your Nexus would be automatically canceled.
My Nexus is valid until 2013, however my passport expires in 2009. If I do not provide them a new passport expiry date prior to my passport expiring, it does not matter that my Nexus is valid until 2013, it would be canceled.
They did not do this automatically with CANPASS but appear to be doing it automatically with Nexus.
My Nexus is valid until 2013, however my passport expires in 2009. If I do not provide them a new passport expiry date prior to my passport expiring, it does not matter that my Nexus is valid until 2013, it would be canceled.
They did not do this automatically with CANPASS but appear to be doing it automatically with Nexus.
Nov 25, 2007, 7:37 pm
#5
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: YHZ. Previously YYC
Posts: 1,924
So can someone explain this in English?....
Does this mean I won't have to wait in the line ups for US customs when I fly to america? Do I still have to talk to the Customs Agents? Paying $50 is worth skipping the unpleasent conversation between me and the border agents.
Does this mean I won't have to wait in the line ups for US customs when I fly to america? Do I still have to talk to the Customs Agents? Paying $50 is worth skipping the unpleasent conversation between me and the border agents.
Nov 25, 2007, 7:42 pm
#6
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: I'm From Here
Programs: AC*SE & MM/*Wood Gold/HHonors Diamond/Marriott Silver/AirMiles Gold
Posts: 4,567
You apply, get approved and have a 3% chance of talking to a human when crossing the border
That is as simple as it gets
That is as simple as it gets
Nov 25, 2007, 7:47 pm
#7
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: YYZ at this time
Programs: ACMM / Altitude S100K / HH Diamond
Posts: 6,285
Of course it all depends on where you cross into the USA ... they have to have the Nexus machines ... the urls above should tell you where all the systems are in place.
According to the Canadian url:
NEXUS is offered at the following airports:
* Vancouver International Airport
* Toronto Pearson International Airport
* Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
* Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport
* Halifax Robert L. Stanfield International Airport
* Calgary International Airport
* Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
* Edmonton International Airport
According to the Canadian url:
NEXUS is offered at the following airports:
* Vancouver International Airport
* Toronto Pearson International Airport
* Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
* Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport
* Halifax Robert L. Stanfield International Airport
* Calgary International Airport
* Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
* Edmonton International Airport
Nov 25, 2007, 11:51 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,889
I've had Nexus since May, and a CANPASS for a year or two prior, and used it solely for flying, however, haven't talked to a human except for the one time or two I had to declare items.
Actually, the expiry date is 5 years from your next birthday.
However I was told by US Immigration that the system is setup to cancel your Nexus the day before your passport expires if you have not provided them with a new passport expiry date.
Nov 26, 2007, 4:11 am
#9
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: YYZ at this time
Programs: ACMM / Altitude S100K / HH Diamond
Posts: 6,285
Nov 26, 2007, 1:18 pm
#10
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: I'm From Here
Programs: AC*SE & MM/*Wood Gold/HHonors Diamond/Marriott Silver/AirMiles Gold
Posts: 4,567
Just curious about where the 3% number comes from - an official source, or just a guesstimate. And any noticeable difference in the human interaction rates when coming into Canada vs. the US? And for airport use vs. land border use?
I've had Nexus since May, and a CANPASS for a year or two prior, and used it solely for flying, however, haven't talked to a human except for the one time or two I had to declare items.
This is certainly not the case for me. My birthday is in August, but my Nexus expires in May 2012. Perhaps this is a more recent thing?
This makes sense. However, for those of us who travel enough to warrant using the NEXUS program, I would assume, or at least hope, we are all aware that passports essentially become invalid when there is less than 6 months left on them, and so renew them (or in Canada, apply for a brand new one) prior to one day before expiry.
I've had Nexus since May, and a CANPASS for a year or two prior, and used it solely for flying, however, haven't talked to a human except for the one time or two I had to declare items.
This is certainly not the case for me. My birthday is in August, but my Nexus expires in May 2012. Perhaps this is a more recent thing?
This makes sense. However, for those of us who travel enough to warrant using the NEXUS program, I would assume, or at least hope, we are all aware that passports essentially become invalid when there is less than 6 months left on them, and so renew them (or in Canada, apply for a brand new one) prior to one day before expiry.
So it is "official"
Dec 8, 2007, 9:04 pm
#11
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Ottawa
Posts: 8,564
Can anyone clarify the deal of carrying someone's else's possession through the Nexus lane?
I remember a story about 4 golfers driving across, 2 had Nexus and the other 2 got out and walked, but left their clubs in the car. The others had their Nexus privileges revoked for that.
Was it because they had someone else's clubs in the car? Or because they didn't declare them? All I could find was
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexu...eng.html#usdec
I couldn't find anything that said, "if you carry goods for other people, don't use the Nexus lanes" or even what to do in the regular lanes if carrying things for someone else (which I'm sure is technically different than your own stuff). Shouldn't be a problem for a pair of shoes but I don't know if I'd want to risk a suitcase. Say a pair of women's shoes, or a t-shirt obviously not your size, could you say, "I'm taking that to my wife in the US" or would you have to stay out of the Nexus lanes?
They claim to have a zero tolerance policy but don't make info easily available (like no US potatoes coming into Canada).
=aw
I remember a story about 4 golfers driving across, 2 had Nexus and the other 2 got out and walked, but left their clubs in the car. The others had their Nexus privileges revoked for that.
Was it because they had someone else's clubs in the car? Or because they didn't declare them? All I could find was
If you are a Canadian or U.S. resident entering the United States and you are importing goods for your own personal use, you may use the NEXUS lane and make an oral declaration to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer.
I couldn't find anything that said, "if you carry goods for other people, don't use the Nexus lanes" or even what to do in the regular lanes if carrying things for someone else (which I'm sure is technically different than your own stuff). Shouldn't be a problem for a pair of shoes but I don't know if I'd want to risk a suitcase. Say a pair of women's shoes, or a t-shirt obviously not your size, could you say, "I'm taking that to my wife in the US" or would you have to stay out of the Nexus lanes?
They claim to have a zero tolerance policy but don't make info easily available (like no US potatoes coming into Canada).
=aw
Dec 8, 2007, 9:14 pm
#12
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Washington DC
Programs: UA GS, DL Silver, EK Gold, Marriott Plat, HH Diamond
Posts: 797
when you use your nexus card to enter the US or Canada you are supposed to be carrying ONLY items for your OWN use. This is clearly stated in their rules and emphasized by the agents when you are interviewed.
This means that if you choose to carry items for others (and taking a gift for your wife or friends is considered personal use since YOU paid for the item and it belongs to you until it is gifted) then you must use a regular lane. This extends to commercial goods as well. The agent went as far as telling me that if I planned on having even brochures or business cards in bulk I should not use the NEXUS lane.
Of course, all this matters only if you get stopped. In my experience, I have only been sent to secondary customs screening by US Customs once and by Canada twice in 9 months of commuting every three days between the US and Canada.
If you do get caught and you are using the NEXUS card you will get it revoked and be subject to the maximum fines. Zero tolerance is the stated policy.
This means that if you choose to carry items for others (and taking a gift for your wife or friends is considered personal use since YOU paid for the item and it belongs to you until it is gifted) then you must use a regular lane. This extends to commercial goods as well. The agent went as far as telling me that if I planned on having even brochures or business cards in bulk I should not use the NEXUS lane.
Of course, all this matters only if you get stopped. In my experience, I have only been sent to secondary customs screening by US Customs once and by Canada twice in 9 months of commuting every three days between the US and Canada.
If you do get caught and you are using the NEXUS card you will get it revoked and be subject to the maximum fines. Zero tolerance is the stated policy.
Dec 8, 2007, 9:20 pm
#13
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Ottawa
Posts: 8,564
Thanks for the confirmation, that was my understanding. I thought the same about gifts, since my "personal use" will be to give them. 
Technically of course one needs to keep the car free of foreign materials, e.g. no lipstick in the glove box if only men are present but I would hope (naively) that even at secondary something like that would pass.
Best thing is always to have at least one woman and one man in the car at all times when crossing through a Nexus lane!
=aw
Technically of course one needs to keep the car free of foreign materials, e.g. no lipstick in the glove box if only men are present but I would hope (naively) that even at secondary something like that would pass.
Best thing is always to have at least one woman and one man in the car at all times when crossing through a Nexus lane!
=aw
Dec 8, 2007, 10:17 pm
#14
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 38
The last time I was in the Nexus office in Blaine picking up a new declaration book I was told that you can no longer drop non Nexus card holders off and have them walk through while you use the Nexus lane. If you are caught doing this you will lose your pass on the spot.
R.
R.
Can anyone clarify the deal of carrying someone's else's possession through the Nexus lane?
I remember a story about 4 golfers driving across, 2 had Nexus and the other 2 got out and walked, but left their clubs in the car. The others had their Nexus privileges revoked for that.
Was it because they had someone else's clubs in the car? Or because they didn't declare them? All I could find was
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexu...eng.html#usdec
I couldn't find anything that said, "if you carry goods for other people, don't use the Nexus lanes" or even what to do in the regular lanes if carrying things for someone else (which I'm sure is technically different than your own stuff). Shouldn't be a problem for a pair of shoes but I don't know if I'd want to risk a suitcase. Say a pair of women's shoes, or a t-shirt obviously not your size, could you say, "I'm taking that to my wife in the US" or would you have to stay out of the Nexus lanes?
They claim to have a zero tolerance policy but don't make info easily available (like no US potatoes coming into Canada).
=aw
I remember a story about 4 golfers driving across, 2 had Nexus and the other 2 got out and walked, but left their clubs in the car. The others had their Nexus privileges revoked for that.
Was it because they had someone else's clubs in the car? Or because they didn't declare them? All I could find was
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexu...eng.html#usdec
I couldn't find anything that said, "if you carry goods for other people, don't use the Nexus lanes" or even what to do in the regular lanes if carrying things for someone else (which I'm sure is technically different than your own stuff). Shouldn't be a problem for a pair of shoes but I don't know if I'd want to risk a suitcase. Say a pair of women's shoes, or a t-shirt obviously not your size, could you say, "I'm taking that to my wife in the US" or would you have to stay out of the Nexus lanes?
They claim to have a zero tolerance policy but don't make info easily available (like no US potatoes coming into Canada).
=aw
Dec 8, 2007, 10:22 pm
#15
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: YYC
Programs: IC - RA, AC - SE 1MM
Posts: 413
nexus secondary
Over 100 crossing and never a secondary