The NEXUS program is a joint initiative between the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) that was designed to expedite the border clearance process for low-risk, approved travelers into Canada and the US.
In return for paying a non-refundable fee, NEXUS members get crossing privileges at air, land, and marine ports of entry that support the program.
What are the benefits of NEXUS and how can I apply?
The program allows pre-screened travelers expedited processing when entering the United States and Canada, with dedicated processing lanes at designated northern border ports of entry, NEXUS kiosks when arriving in Canada by plane, and Global Entry kiosks when arriving at a US airport from Canadian Preclearance airports.
NEXUS members also enjoy fast-tracked processing at most marine reporting centers.
To apply for membership of the NEXUS program, applicants must visit the Trusted Travelers Programs (TTP) website, submit an application and go through the registration process, satisfy the eligibility criteria, be admissible in both Canada and the United States, and pass risk assessments by these two countries.
The processing fee is $120 per adult and is not refundable. Traveling with your family requires everyone to have their own card to benefit. Children under the age of 18 must also apply but, if eligible, are admitted to the program free of charge. Once approved, membership remains valid for five years.
After you have submitted an application and scheduled an interview at a NEXUS Enrollment Center, if you require assistance for the interview because of a disability, contact the NEXUS Enrollment Center where your interview is scheduled to request a reasonable modification or auxiliary aid or service to complete the interview.
How long does it take to get approved for the NEXUS program?
The time it takes to get approved for the NEXUS program can vary greatly. According to some online reports, it can take as little as 2 days for first-time applications. However, the official processing times currently listed on the NEXUS website indicate that applicants should expect to wait 12-14 months for conditional approval. This is because of the strict background checks conducted on all applicants by both Canadian and U.S. government agencies, which can take time to complete.
Once they have been conditionally approved, applicants can schedule an interview at any enrollment center, which may take additional time depending on the availability of appointments at that particular location.
The backlog of applications, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and temporary closures of enrollment centers, has led to longer waiting times for both first-time and renewal applications.
It is important to note that the processing times provided above are estimates and can vary based on individual circumstances. Applying as early as possible can help reduce your overall waiting time. The sooner an application is submitted, the sooner it can be processed and approved.
How can I correct an error on my NEXUS card application?
It is important to ensure that all information on your NEXUS card is accurate and up-to-date to avoid any potential issues or complications when using the card for expedited border clearance. To correct an error on the card, e.g. if it contains incorrect information, you should take it to the nearest NEXUS Enrolment Centre to be corrected. This is the recommended course of action to rectify any errors or mistakes found on the card.
It is very important to note that you should not submit a new application to correct errors, because this may result in unnecessary delays and additional fees. Instead, you should bring all relevant documents to the enrollment center and inform the officer of the errors.
What is the difference between NEXUS and Global Entry?
NEXUS and Global Entry are both trusted traveler programs that offer expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. However, they cater to different travel patterns and there are key differences.
Global Entry is a broader program that allows expedited reentry to the U.S. when returning from any country abroad. It is available to citizens of the U.S. and 14 other countries. Global Entry members can use automated kiosks at U.S. airports and select international airports with Global Entry kiosks. TSA PreCheck for local flights is also included.
NEXUS, on the other hand, is a program that specifically caters to people who frequently travel between the U.S. and Canada, allowing expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers between these two countries. The program is, therefore, only available to citizens and lawful permanent residents of the United States and Canada. When traveling between the U.S. and Canada, both via air and land, NEXUS members enjoy the use of dedicated lines.
In terms of benefits, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, while NEXUS also includes TSA PreCheck benefits. However, NEXUS membership is $120 for a 5-year membership, while Global Entry costs $120 for the same period.
To apply for Global Entry, applicants need to go through an online application process followed by an in-person interview at a United States CBP (Customs and Border Protection) enrollment office.
For NEXUS, the application process is similar, but the interview process is different. NEXUS applicants need to do interviews with both the U.S. Customers and Border Patrol (CBP) and Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA). They have three options to complete these interviews: joint U.S. and Canada interviews at a land enrollment center in the U.S., a split interview at a Canadian land enrollment center followed by an interview at a U.S. land enrollment center, or a two-step interview at a Canadian airport enrollment center followed by an interview at a U.S. preclearance location in a Canadian airport.
To summarize, if you often travel internationally outside of Canada and the U.S., Global Entry is a better option. However, if you mostly travel between Canada and the U.S., NEXUS is the better choice. If you apply for Global Entry, you can always add NEXUS on later.
How long does it take to get approved for the Global Entry program?
The time it takes to get approved for the Global Entry program can vary significantly. On average, the processing time for a Global Entry application can take up to six months (according to the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website).
However, the actual processing times can be longer or shorter based on various factors such as the volume of applications, availability of interview slots, and individual circumstances.
Some applicants have reported quick approval times, with them being conditionally approved within 48 hours of applying and receiving an interview appointment shortly after.
Others have experienced waiting times of 100 days or even longer for approval. The availability of interview slots can also impact the overall timeline, with some applicants finding appointments quickly through private services, while others have had to wait longer for an interview slot to become available.
Can anyone apply for a Nexus card or only American or Canadian citizens?
The NEXUS Card program is a privilege, not a right, and CBSA or US CBP can deny you membership for any reason whatsoever. To be eligible for a NEXUS Card, you have to live in the US or Canada and provide proof of address, such as a driver’s license. You must also have a clean customs record when traveling into Canada or the United States, as even a small fine years ago could potentially make you ineligible.
If you are a permanent resident of Canada or the United States, you must have lived in the country where you are currently a permanent resident for at least 3 years.
What about NEXUS for Mexican nationals?
Mexican nationals who are members of the Viajero Confiable program may also apply for a NEXUS Card. Minors are allowed to enroll in the NEXUS program even if their legal guardians or parents are not enrolled.
To successfully apply for a NEXUS Card, you first have to be admissible to both Canada and the US under present immigration regulations, have never violated any customs regulations of these two countries, and have never been found guilty of a crime. You should also have completed the application honestly and accurately, and must meet all other requirements of the NEXUS program (which can change from time to time).
If you are a Mexican national who is also a Viajero Confiable member, you must provide proof of this as well as a valid passport.
What is the difference between ESTA and the NEXUS program?
While both the ESTA and NEXUS programs are designed to expedite the entry process for pre-screened travelers, they serve different purposes and are not interchangeable. ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a program for citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries who wish to travel to the United States for business or tourism purposes for a maximum of 90 days without having to apply for a traditional visa. It uses an online application system that determines the eligibility of travelers to enter the United States under the VWP.
NEXUS, on the other hand, is specifically aimed at low-risk, pre-approved travelers who frequently travel between the United States and Canada.
While there are sometimes exceptions, getting approved for a NEXUS card often takes months (see the relevant section above). If you qualify, applying for and getting an approved ESTA can be much quicker. The official waiting period is around 3 days (72 hours) but in many instances (provided there is no need for additional documents or information) you could have an approved ESTA in your possession in less than an hour.