NEXUS

NEXUS is a government-sponsored Trusted Traveler 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 in lieu 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.

NEXUS members experience more efficient border crossings between the United States and Canada through dedicated lanes and airport kiosks, as well as at land and sea border checkpoints. NEXUS members also 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 carryon bags.

NEXUS members can use the Global Entry and TSA PreCheck traveler programs without applying separately to them. And Global Entry members can use the NEXUS program to cross the border from Canada into the United States without becoming NEXUS members. But expedited crossing from the United States into Canada requires NEXUS membership.

NEXUS applicants must pay a $50 fee (USD or CND) and submit to a background check and a personal interview. If approved by both the U.S. and Canadian governments, applicants receive a NEXUS ID card with their photo and Radio Frequency Identification Document (RFID) functionality. NEXUS participants can also have their irises scanned to use 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 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. For more, see Effects Of The New Canada-U.S. Border Deal and Choosing A Trusted Traveler Program.

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 (to include 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; or
• Cannot satisfy CBP or Canada Border Services Agency of your low-risk status