bernard_rieux

Fair point. And if connecting through YYZ from the US, CBSA seems to change every year...last time I flew through there they had implemented the one-stop-security thing (no need to go through security again after clearing CBSA) but no NEXUS lanes/machines.

ch671

Thank you

phltraveler

As an interesting data point, I recently renewed my US passport and went to the new TTP website to update it. When I went to the TTP site, I had no problem updating my passport number/date of issue/date of expiry for the US passport that was on file. After doing so it offers a confirmation page (with a print button) confirming the update.

I don't know when I'll next be in Canada, but I went and took a look at the CBSA page on updates and found it here, which states explicitly that updating the TTP site with your info is fine for addresses and existing passports on file is fine and an enrollment center visit is not needed:
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nex...nnees-eng.html

.

Of course, if you do have anything beyond an update to an existing document (like being a permanent resident of either Canada or the US and then gaining citizenship, or getting a passport for a country that you've never had a passport on file on TTP for), you should go to a NEXUS office and have it added, but I found it interesting that passport changes seem to be communicated in some way from the US CBP TTP site to CBSA/NEXUS (don't know if that's an automatic immediate linkage or if maybe it sends an email to some random CBSA email address where someone then goes and puts that in the NEXUS computers manually.)

seawolf

The link to CBSA exist for new applications so I don't see why an update to a couple of fields related to new "version" passport of an existing type of passport can't be updated. I've entered several times using NEXUS after an online update only and have not had issues with CBSA.

Thus my prior post awhile back that propose that CBSA enrollment centre and port of entry uses different systems with some indications/evidence to support that theory.

phltraveler

Your latter point is true to some degree, at least at airports. I had a one year work permit that was close to expiring and later expired. The enrollment centers see that automatically pop-up on the screen. The NEXUS Air kioks just print IMM 1-1 when the block starts (about two weeks before the permit expires and remains until an enrollment center starts). Then you get sent to Immigration I (secondary) and they pull up your file and have no idea why you were referred, everything checks out on their end.

I encountered this block 4 times. Only when I went to the enrollment center at YYZ T1 was the block explained to me and that the officers at Immigration Primary/Secondary can't see that this block is why I was referred on their screens. (They of course added the new work permit and removed the "block"/automatic secondary from my NEXUS profile).

bernard_rieux

Oh this is almost certainly true. On the CBP side at the border they couldn't even access their own system (SEVIS) to see whether foreign students had valid visas or not--until the Boston marathon bombers were let into the US because of this oversight...

jebr

Just as a note on this particular aspect: any Global Entry office should be able to process the address change for NEXUS members as well, at least as far as CBP is concerned. I went into the MSP airport Global Entry office the other day to update my NEXUS information and the officer was able to do so with a minimum of fuss. Since that particular change is only required by the CBP (and CBSA states that the update only needs to be added into the TTP system, which is where the change reflects once CBP updates it at a Global Entry office) I feel comfortable with that process fulfilling the requirements of the NEXUS program.

I wouldn't recommend doing any changes this way that CBSA requires going to an office for, but if you're a US member and the update is only required for CBP, it's a nice option that doesn't require a visit to the Canadian border or an office within Canada.

ltc1887

During my NEXUS interview, the CBSA officer said that it would be faster to use the special services lane if I had food to declare, instead of the NEXUS kiosks. My question is, do I still need to fill out a declaration card in order to use the special services lane? The problem is that they stopped distributing the card and the only one available online has a "SPECIMEN" watermark on it and can't be used... Thanks.

1KChinito

Welcome to FT. At YVR and YYZ, just about everyone uses a kiosk without filling out a declaration card.

txviking

Logging into the new portal, I noticed this:

I've never needed my membership card for entry into the United States by air or marine port. I have only needed it entering either country by car (I've not used the air or marine modes to enter Canada since receiving NEXUS, although I'll be flying in next month.)

greglvnv

phltraveler

And the fact that NEXUS benefits are access to NEXUS lanes/kiosks when entering Canada. The GE benefits are just an automatic separate benefit that you get for having NEXUS.

NEXUS Air kiosks will only read the NEXUS membership card, they will not read passports. It's absolutely mandatory to have the NEXUS card to receive NEXUS benefits entering Canada.

Entering the US is more YMMV. Trusted Traveler lane (a benefit that CATSA extends to GE + NEXUS members with cards) isn't a NEXUS benefit offered by US CBP/CBSA, but card is needed. Access to the Global Entry machines at Canadian preclearance is sometimes guarded by airport staff who may let you to GE machines if you say you have it, others say they want to see the card (again, not explicitly a US CBP policy). Use of the GE machines itself doesn't require a NEXUS card (although you can use that as your document if you want at GE Kiosks at US CBP Preclearance in Canada) since you can just use your passport instead.

txviking

Thanks. In the US, I use my green card to enter; they were very explicit to use that and NOT my NEXUS card. Of course, the green card means diddly to Canadian authorities. So to confirm:

In the United States: Enter using the green card and finger prints in a GE machine
In Canada: Enter using the NEXUS card and iris scan in a NEXUS machine

If it makes a difference, I'll be flying into YVR next month on my first flight into Canada as a NEXUS member. Also my first time since they introduced the ETA requirement, but I already got my ETA. (Seems silly that they wouldn't exempt NEXUS members from that, but I guess NEXUS members who are not US or Canadian citizens are such a small group we don't warrant special treatment in that regard.)

phltraveler

You should carry both your green card and NEXUS card at all times (in my opinion). It ensures you will not be denied benefits or given undue trouble.

To clarify:

Entering Canada:
Via air: A card is required to use a kiosk.
Via sea: If it's commercial you can reasonably expect a NEXUS card to be required for any benefit. If it's a private boat and you call ahead + they say they want to say hello, you can bet they will want to see the NEXUS card. Basically, travel without NEXUS card at your peril.
Via land: A card is absolutely mandatory to receive NEXUS benefits and you can expect to lose NEXUS if you either don't have the card or have one or more passengers that don't have their own cards.

Leaving Canada:
Security: CATSA line guards will not allow you through without a GE or NEXUS card. This can cause trouble for people eligible for GE (like UK or Indian trusted travelers who passed GE Enrollment) who don't get cards (only US & Canadian citizens + LPRs get cards). I would note the CATSA lines can be slower when open depending on the airport and time (earlier in the day, more likely you benefit)
Entry to GE Kiosks: A lot of airports guard the entry to the GE Kiosks in Canada. Some do in the US with airport goons (not customs employed). If you can't show a GE/NEXUS card you can try to verbally relay that you're eligible, people ineligible for cards will try to show the TTP site. If you can flash a GE/NEXUS card then you're good even when the personnel are difficult.
GE Kiosks: At US CBP Preclearance in Canada, the machine should recognize your card. Per same link, any non-Canadian preclearance or US GE Kiosk not at a preclearance location, you will need to use your passport or LPR card (since you used US LPR to enroll in NEXUS, that would be your document in that case).
Land/Sea: US will expect to see your NEXUS card and possibly additionally your green card.

Even as a US/Canadian citizen (dual, both) I always carry my NEXUS card - multiple people on both sides have expected to see it over the years at both primary and secondary.

rustykettel