NEXUS

Posted on by user

NEXUS: What It Means and How It Works

NEXUS is a joint U.S.–Canadian Trusted Traveler program that speeds border crossings for pre‑screened citizens and permanent residents of the United States and Canada. It provides expedited processing at designated air, land, and sea ports of entry, reduces routine questioning, and helps border agencies focus resources on higher‑risk travelers.

Key benefits

  • Faster processing through dedicated lanes, airport kiosks, and designated marine and land checkpoints.
  • Access to Global Entry and TSA PreCheck benefits without separate applications.
  • NEXUS card functions as a radio frequency identification (RFID) ID and can be used instead of a passport for certain crossings.
  • Option for iris scans as an alternative biometric for identification.

How it works

  • Approved members receive a photo ID card with RFID that enables use of NEXUS lanes and kiosks.
  • At airports, members typically undergo expedited security screening (often allowing them to keep shoes, belts, light outerwear, laptops, and compliant liquids in carry‑on).
  • Both the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) must approve an application. Either country can deny membership.
  • Global Entry members may be able to use some expedited entry options when arriving in the U.S. from Canada, but expedited entry from the U.S. into Canada requires NEXUS membership.

Who is eligible

  • U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents of the U.S., Canadian citizens, and lawful permanent residents of Canada are eligible to apply.
  • Applicants must consent to background checks and a personal interview with border authorities.

Application process and card details

  • Submit an application, pay the fee, complete background checks, and attend a personal interview.
  • If approved by both countries, you receive the NEXUS card with RFID capability.
  • Card expiration is generally five years; the expiry date is calculated from the next birthdate after the last interview, which may result in slightly more than five years of validity. Renewal requires the same vetting process.
  • Applicants may opt for iris scanning as a biometric alternative at crossings.

Cost

  • Current application fee: $50 (USD or CAD).
  • Fee increases to $120 on October 1, 2024.

Common reasons for ineligibility

You may be denied NEXUS if you:
* Provide false or incomplete information on your application.
Have convictions, pending criminal charges, or outstanding warrants (including DUI).
 Have violated customs, immigration, or agriculture laws in any country.
Are the subject of an active law enforcement investigation.
 Are inadmissible to the U.S. under immigration law (even if a waiver has been granted).
* Cannot satisfy CBP or CBSA that you are a low‑risk traveler.

FAQs

  • Is NEXUS only for U.S. citizens?
    No. It’s available to eligible citizens and permanent residents of both the U.S. and Canada.
  • How long is membership valid?
    Membership is valid for five years (with the expiration date calculated from the next birthdate after the last interview).

Bottom line

NEXUS streamlines travel between the U.S. and Canada for pre‑screened, low‑risk travelers. For frequent cross‑border travelers who meet eligibility requirements, it offers significant time savings and added convenience for air, land, and sea travel.