NEXUS is a government-sponsored program that simplifies border crossings for pre-screened U.S. and Canadian citizens. Those who are part of the NEXUS program benefit from quicker immigration and customs processing, enhancing the travel experience across air, land, and sea borders. The NEXUS ID can also serve as an alternative to a passport, making it a convenient option for frequent travelers.
NEXUS aids both U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) in mitigating travel risks by identifying and expediting the processing of known safe travelers.
Key Highlights
- NEXUS is a structured initiative that reduces travel formalities for pre-approved individuals in the U.S. and Canada across air, land, and sea.
- Members can leverage both the Global Entry and TSA PreCheck programs without separate applications for each.
- Membership is valid for over five years at a cost of $50, contingent upon a background check and a personal interview.
Understanding NEXUS Benefits
NEXUS members experience streamlined passage between the U.S. and Canada through designated lanes, airport kiosks, and various border checkpoints. For airport security, NEXUS members enjoy simplified procedures—they do not need to remove shoes, belts, or light outerwear, and can keep laptops and liquid bags in their carry-on luggage.
Members can seamlessly use Global Entry and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck without needing separate applications. Although Global Entry members can exploit the NEXUS lanes when entering the U.S. from Canada, crossing from the U.S. to Canada with the same expediency necessitates a NEXUS membership.
Applying for NEXUS
Applicants are required to pay a $50 fee (in USD or CAD), undergo a background check, and attend a personal interview. Upon approval, applicants receive a NEXUS ID card featuring their photo and radio frequency identification document (RFID) technology. This card is valid for slightly more than five years, after which the renewal process mirrors the initial application process. The expiry date is based on the cardholder’s birthdate following their last interview.
Individuals eligible to apply include U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens, and permanent residents of Canada. However, those with a criminal background, customs or immigration violations, or who lack admissibility to either the U.S. or Canada may face rejection. Both nations must approve the application, and either can deny it.
What Could Make You Ineligible for NEXUS?
Your NEXUS application might be declined if you:
- Submit false or incomplete information on the application.
- Have criminal convictions, pending charges, or outstanding warrants, including DUI offenses.
- Violate any customs, immigration, or agricultural laws in any country.
- Are under investigation by any law enforcement agency.
- Are inadmissible to the United States under immigration rules, including those with waivers of inadmissibility or parole documents.
- Cannot prove low-risk status to CBP or the Canada Border Services Agency.
Related Terms: Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, RFID, CBP, CBSA.
References
- Department of Homeland Security. “Frequently Asked Questions”.
- Department of Homeland Security. “NEXUS Details”.
