What Is NEXUS?
Let me explain what NEXUS is directly: it's a government-sponsored Trusted Travelers Program that lets pre-screened U.S. and Canadian citizens speed through border crossings. If you're using NEXUS, you get expedited processing into both the United States and Canada, with minimal immigration and customs questions. This program works for air, land, and sea travel, and your NEXUS ID can even replace a passport.
Beyond that, NEXUS assists U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) by boosting the pool of known low-risk travelers, which helps cut down on overall travel risks.
Key Takeaways
Here's what you need to know upfront: NEXUS is a government program that simplifies travel paperwork for pre-screened U.S. and Canadian citizens across air, land, and sea borders. As a member, you can tap into Global Entry and TSA PreCheck without extra applications. Your membership runs for just over five years, and it costs $50 with a background check and interview required.
Understanding NEXUS
As a NEXUS member, you'll find border crossings between the U.S. and Canada much smoother, thanks to dedicated lanes, airport kiosks, and checkpoints for land and sea. You won't need to take off shoes, belts, or light jackets during airport security, and you can leave laptops and your 3-1-1 liquids bag in your carry-on.
You also get to use Global Entry and TSA PreCheck without separate sign-ups. If you're already in Global Entry, you can use NEXUS to enter the U.S. from Canada without joining NEXUS, but for expedited entry into Canada from the U.S., you must be a NEXUS member.
Applying for NEXUS
To apply, you pay a $50 fee in USD or CAD, but note that it jumps to $120 starting October 1, 2024. Everyone goes through a background check and a personal interview. If both the U.S. and Canadian governments approve you, you'll get a NEXUS ID card with your photo and RFID tech. It's good for five years, and renewal follows the same steps. The expiration is set from your next birthday after the last interview. You can also opt for iris scans as another ID method at borders.
NEXUS is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens, and Canadian lawful permanent residents. But if you have a criminal record, customs or immigration violations, or don't meet entry criteria for either country, you might not get approved. Both countries must agree on your application, and either can reject it.
Reasons for NEXUS Ineligibility
- You provide false or incomplete info on your application.
- You've been convicted of a crime, have pending charges, or outstanding warrants, including DUIs.
- You've violated customs, immigration, or agriculture rules in any country.
- You're under investigation by any federal, state, or local law enforcement.
- You're inadmissible to the U.S. under immigration rules, even with waivers or parole.
- You can't convince CBP or CBSA that you're low-risk.
How Much Does NEXUS Cost?
Right now, the fee is $50 for NEXUS access. Come October 1, 2024, it increases to $120.
Is NEXUS Only For U.S. Citizens?
No, it's for both U.S. and Canadian citizens, making travel between the countries easier for everyone eligible.
How Long Is NEXUS Membership Valid For?
Your membership lasts five years, as long as you keep meeting the program's rules.
The Bottom Line
In summary, NEXUS lets pre-screened U.S. and Canadian citizens move between the countries more freely than unscreened travelers. If you're approved, you can cross the border without needing a passport.
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