NEXUS is a Trusted Traveler and expedited border control program that offers pre-approved, low-risk travelers expedited crossings at land, marine, and air borders. Members avoid long lines at entry points by using reserved lanes at land crossings into Canada and the United States (including from Mexico), self-serve kiosks at airports in both countries as well as phone call border officials for marine arrivals.
What is Nexus?
The NEXUS Trusted Traveler program, administered by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), offers expedited border crossings for pre-approved, low-risk travelers through land, marine, and air borders. Members of NEXUS can enter either country with minimal wait times by using designated lanes at airports and border crossings, self-serve kiosks in both countries, or calling a marine telephone reporting center upon arrival.
NEXUS application procedures can be complex, so it’s wise to seek professional help. Immigration TS is one of many companies offering NEXUS application assistance – they have experience interpreting government jargon and verifying documentation for validity, which helps reduce the likelihood of denials when applying for membership on NEXUS.
NEXUS applicants can apply online through U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. There is a $50 application fee, but it’s waived for children under 18.
Once you submit your online application to CBP, they will send an approval notification. From there, you can schedule an interview at NEXUS enrollment centers.
You may also be approved by email. While this can be quicker than in-person interviews, it’s still not guaranteed. On average, processing times for NEXUS applications take six months or longer.
Once you’re ready to begin the NEXUS application process, gather all your personal information and supporting documentation. Alternatively, you may submit both the NEXUS form and the non-refundable application fee via mail.
After you submit your application, it can take anywhere from two weeks to six months for Customs and Border Patrol to review it. Once approved, you’ll receive a NEXUS card that serves in place of a passport.
This card is WHTI compliant, meaning it can be used as a travel document in the United States. The nine-digit PASSID printed on it serves to verify your identity when traveling.
How to apply
NEXUS is a Trusted Traveler program that expedites border crossings between the United States and Canada for pre-approved travelers. Members use automated self-service kiosks at airports and border crossings to take advantage of dedicated lanes in airports and ports of entry.
To qualify for NEXUS, you must be either a citizen of the United States or Canada or hold permanent resident status in either country. Furthermore, any criminal records or active law enforcement cases must be cleared.
The application process is relatively straightforward, but it’s essential that you provide all the required information. The organizations running these programs will want assurance that you are not lying or omitting anything.
Once your application is submitted, you will likely be granted conditional approval and scheduled for an in-person interview at one of Canada’s border crossings or airports.
At your appointment, you must bring along your passport, proof of residency, and permanent resident card. Alternatively, if you possess an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL), that may suffice as proof.
Your NEXUS application may take up to two weeks to process, so it’s important to plan ahead. Keep in mind that if there are changes made to your personal information after submission, the application could be delayed or rejected.
If you’re thinking of using the service for travel, it’s wise to submit your application well in advance of departure. Doing this will guarantee that your application is processed promptly prior to your departure date.
Once you submit your application, an agent from either the United States or Canada will contact you. They can answer any queries or worries you may have during the application process.
In both the United States and Canada, an interview will include a background check and an iris scan to assess your risk level and eligibility for NEXUS.
Once your application is approved, you’ll be issued a membership card valid for five years. It must be displayed at all times when traveling to either the United States or Canada.
Application Fees
NEXUS is a joint program between the United States and Canada that facilitates fast border crossing for pre-approved low-risk travelers. It provides access to special lanes, automated kiosks, and marine reporting locations when traveling between these two countries.
NEXUS application is a straightforward process. After gathering certain documents, you can apply online. Alternatively, you may visit one of their enrollment centers in person but it’s best to schedule an appointment beforehand.
You must be completely truthful when applying and a background check will be conducted. After approval, you’ll receive your NEXUS membership identification card.
The application fee is US $50 or CN $50 and can be paid with a credit card when applying online or by post for Canadian citizens. With the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, however, your application fee will be credited to your account within two billing cycles after submission.
NEXUS approval can take anywhere from one week to six months depending on how many applicants are waiting in line. On average, it takes around 30 days from when you submit your application until receiving conditional approval.
Once approved for NEXUS, you’ll receive a NEXUS ID number and confirmation email. Following that, you must book an interview with either Canadian or United States agents at one of the NEXUS enrollment centers to finalize your enrollment.
After that, bring your NEXUS ID and any other necessary documents to the interview. During this stage, officers from both sides of the border will review your application to identify any omissions or inaccuracies. It is essential that you remain honest and open throughout this process in order to avoid any legal repercussions in the future.
If you are under 18, a legal guardian must accompany you to your final interview, as there is no fee for minors. Before scheduling the interview, however, make sure you pay the application fee and are conditionally approved.
How long to be approved
For frequent travelers between Canada and the US, Nexus Trusted Traveler is an ideal way to simplify your trip. Similar to Global Entry, NEXUS gives you access to fast and convenient border crossings as well as numerous other advantages.
Applying for NEXUS can be done online through the United States government’s Trusted Traveler Programs website. Once approved, you’ll be sent an alert to arrange an interview.
When applying to NEXUS, be honest and transparent; bring all documents used when applying to prove your citizenship status, residency status, and proof of address. Being unprepared can make the interview process a stressful experience so be prepared beforehand.
During your interview, you’ll be asked a variety of questions about your travel history and current activities. The duration may last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour depending on how complex your application is.
Once approved, your status will change to “Conditionally Approved.” At that point, you can book an appointment at an enrollment center for a fingerprint scan and background check; after which, you’ll officially become registered as a TSA PreCheck member.
After your PreCheck interview, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number that can be added to airline reservations. Plus, use your TSA PreCheck fee for extra services at the airport such as checked bags or expedited security screening.
Nexus membership allows you to cross borders more quickly than regular travelers, whether by land or sea. To take advantage of this benefit, call a marine telephone reporting center at least 30 minutes prior to your arrival in order to notify the other country that you are an official NEXUS member.
Though the NEXUS application process is simpler than Global Entry, approval can take more time. It could take up to one month or more before your conditional approval is granted; so be patient and don’t get disheartened if your first attempt doesn’t succeed.
NEXUS is a joint U.S. and Canadian program designed for low-risk travelers. You can find NEXUS kiosks at airports in both countries as well as land border crossings. Not only is NEXUS cheaper than FAST, but it also has some additional benefits like faster immigration processing at both U.S. and Canadian borders.