What Is NEXUS?
NEXUS is a government-sponsored Trusted Travelers Program that allows pre-screened U.S. and Canadian citizens to expedite border crossings. U.S. and Canadian citizens using NEXUS experience expedited border crossings into the United States and Canada with less immigration and customs questioning. NEXUS is valid for air, land, and sea travel, and a NEXUS ID can be used instead of a passport.
NEXUS also helps the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reduce travel risks by increasing the number of known safe travelers.
Key Takeaways
- NEXUS is a government-sponsored program that eases travel bureaucracy for pre-screened citizens of the United States and Canada across air, land, and sea.
- NEXUS members can use the Global Entry and TSA PreCheck programs without applying separately to each.
- Membership to NEXUS is valid for slightly more than five years and is available by paying a $50 fee and consenting to a background check and personal interview.
Understanding NEXUS
NEXUS members experience more efficient border crossings between the United States and Canada through dedicated lanes, airport kiosks, and land and sea border checkpoints. NEXUS members do not have to remove their shoes, belts, or light outerwear for airport security screenings and can keep their laptops and 3-1-1 compliant bag of liquids in their carry-on bags.
NEXUS members can use the Global Entry and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Precheck traveler programs without applying separately to each. Global Entry members can use the NEXUS program to cross the border from Canada into the United States without becoming NEXUS members. However, expedited crossing from the United States into Canada requires NEXUS membership.
Applying for NEXUS
NEXUS applicants must pay a $50 fee (USD or CND), rising to a $120 fee as of October 1, 2024. All applicants must submit to a background check and a personal interview. If approved by both the United States and Canadian governments, applicants receive a NEXUS ID card with their photo and radio frequency identification document (RFID) functionality. The card is valid for five years and can be renewed following the same procedure as outlined above. The date of expiration is calculated from the next birthdate after the cardholder's last interview. NEXUS participants can also have their irises scanned as an alternative form of identification at border crossings.
NEXUS is open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent U.S. residents, Canadian citizens, and lawful permanent residents of Canada. Individuals with a criminal history, customs violations, or immigration violations—or who do not meet the criteria for admission to the United States or Canada—may not be approved for NEXUS. Either country can deny an individual’s application, but both must approve it.
Reasons for NEXUS Ineligibility
You may not be eligible for participation in the NEXUS program if you:
- Provide false or incomplete information on the application
- Have been convicted of any criminal offense or have pending criminal charges or outstanding warrants (including driving under the influence)
- Have been found in violation of any customs, immigration, or agriculture regulations or laws in any country
- Are the subject of an ongoing investigation by any federal, state, or local law enforcement agency
- Are inadmissible to the United States under immigration regulation, including applicants with approved waivers of inadmissibility or parole documentation
- Cannot satisfy CBP or Canada Border Services Agency of your low-risk status
How Much Does NEXUS Cost?
Currently, applicants have to pay $50 for access to NEXUS. However, as of October 1, 2024, the cost will be going up to $120, the government has announced.
Is NEXUS Only For U.S. Citizens?
No, the NEXUS program is for both U.S. and Canadian citizens, facilitating easier travel between the two countries.
How Long Is NEXUS Membership Valid For?
NEXUS membership is valid for five years, provided that the member continues to comply with program requirements.
The Bottom Line
NEXUS is a government-sponsored program that enables pre-screened American and Canadian citizens to travel more freely between countries than those who haven't been screened. Those who have been pre-screened can cross the U.S.-Canada border without a passport.
FAQs
You may not be eligible for NEXUS if you have been convicted of a criminal offence in any country for which a pardon was not granted. For example, being convicted of impaired driving may make you ineligible for the program.
Why would someone be denied NEXUS? ›
NEXUS is open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent U.S. residents, Canadian citizens, and lawful permanent residents of Canada. Individuals with a criminal history, customs violations, or immigration violations—or who do not meet the criteria for admission to the United States or Canada—may not be approved for NEXUS.
How does NEXUS work? ›
Program members use dedicated processing lanes at designated northern border ports of entry, NEXUS kiosks when entering Canada by air and Global Entry kiosks when entering the United States via Canadian Preclearance airports. NEXUS members also receive expedited processing at marine reporting locations.
What happens if you get a NEXUS violation? ›
You could lose your membership in the program if an inspection shows that you have violated NEXUS terms and conditions. If you have contravened NEXUS program legislation, your eligibility will be reassessed. If you have violated NEXUS terms and conditions, the CBSA will determine whether you retain your membership.
Why is my Express Entry profile showing ineligible? ›
To submit a profile, you must meet the minimum requirements for one of the Federal Express Entry programs. If you are ineligible to submit a profile, it may be because you do not meet the minimum program requirements, or have less than the required minimum proof of funds.
What is NEXUS background check? ›
NEXUS enrollment involves rigorous background checks, in-person interviews, and biometric data collection. This selective approach designates approved members as low-risk travelers and offer them the possibility of expedited border crossing.
What is the downside of NEXUS? ›
The NEXUS pass only covers you, not your passengers. That means if you want to cross the border with passengers, you either need to cross in the regular lanes or make sure they all have NEXUS cards.
What do they check for NEXUS? ›
You must provide proof of citizenship or permanent residency, and proof of residency. If you are working or studying in Canada or the U.S., you must also provide your work or study permit.
Is it hard to get NEXUS? ›
In order to be eligible for a NEXUS Card, you must have clean customs record when traveling into Canada or the United States. What this means is that even a small fine years ago could potentially make you ineligible.
How long is the NEXUS interview? ›
The NEXUS interview
Once, the applicant is conditionally approved by the authorities he/she should attempt to interview. The interview for the NEXUS card is a prerequisite for all candidates. It takes around 30 minutes at NEXUS enrollment center (you may choose it when you schedule the appointment).
Questions will vary depending on the enrollment center you visit, but expect to spend about 30 minutes in this interview. Some frequently asked questions are: Where do you think you'll travel to in the U.S./Canada? Why do you want a NEXUS card?
Can you declare anything with NEXUS? ›
Declaring goods
If you are a Canadian or U.S. resident and you are importing goods for your own personal use, you may use the NEXUS lane and make an oral declaration to the CBP officer.
What is NEXUS requirements? ›
“Nexus” is the requisite contact between a taxpayer and a state before the state has jurisdiction to tax the taxpayer. Sales tax nexus is generally established when a business's retail activity in a state meets a certain dollar amount and/or number of individual transactions.
What can be considered a US NEXUS? ›
US Nexus means where there is any US involvement or connection, including (without limitation): (i) any US dollar denominated transaction; (ii) any payment in any currency that is cleared through the US financial system, including foreign branches of US banks, and US branches, agency or representative offices or US ...
What is NEXUS conditional approval? ›
Conditional approval: A risk assessment is conducted by both the United States and Canada and then you wait for conditional approval, which could take 6 to 12 weeks (sometimes more). You can find the status of your conditional approval on the dashboard of your TTP account.
What are the rules and regulations for NEXUS card? ›
You must comply with all customs and immigration laws, regulation and rules or any other laws, regulations and rules that are enforced by either CBSA or US CBP. You must not let another person use your NEXUS Card. You must not cross the border by car in a NEXUS lane with passengers who are not NEXUS Card members.
