NEXUS

Last updated
NEXUS logo NEXUS program logo.svg
NEXUS logo

NEXUS is a joint Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection-operated Trusted Traveler and expedited border control program designed for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. Members of the program can avoid waits at border entry points by using reserved lanes at land crossings into Canada and the United States (including from Mexico), by using self-serve kiosks at airports in Canada, the US and some international locations, or by phoning border officials for a marine entry. A NEXUS membership card is a valid document under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), so it can be used in place of a passport, including by air if flying between the US and Canada. However, carrying a valid passport is still recommended, in the rare event that a flight is diverted to an airport without NEXUS support.

Contents

History

NEXUS began as a pilot project in 2000 at the Port Huron–Sarnia border crossing to reduce traffic congestion. At the time, delay-free crossing was available via two independent programs—Port Pass, for crossing into the U.S., and CanPass, for those entering Canada. Customs officials began taking NEXUS applications in October 2000, and the program began operation on November 28, 2000, using a dedicated lane at the Blue Water Bridge. Interest in the program was very high, with 550 approved and 2000 total applicants in the eight-week period leading up to that day. The pilot program was set to last six months, after which it would be put to an independent third party evaluation. [1] [2] As a result of the September 11, 2001 attacks, the NEXUS lanes were closed and applications suspended while security measures associated with the Smart Border Declaration were implemented. The NEXUS lanes on the Blue Water Bridge reopened in December 2001. [3] [4]

Additional reading:
Remarks by the President and Prime Minister Chretien on U.S. – Canada Smart Borders – September 9, 2002

NEXUS officially launched in September 2002 along with the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program in a joint announcement by President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Jean Chretien held at the Ambassador Bridge. [5]

Eligibility

To qualify for the program, an applicant must be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada or the United States or citizen of Mexico who holds a Viajero Confiable membership. [6] Permanent residents of the United States or Canada may need to reside in their respective country for three years before applying for NEXUS membership. [7] A previous requirement to have resided in either country for three years has been removed to allow Canadian and American citizens living abroad, and those who have recently returned, to apply for NEXUS. [8] [9] Applicants must also be legally admissible to both Canada and the United States, must have complied with immigration and customs regulations during previous travel, and must undergo a criminal history check. Additionally, if the applicant is under 18, both parents must provide their written consent or attend the interview. [10] [6]

Application process

Sample NEXUS card NEXUSCard.png
Sample NEXUS card

NEXUS applications are submitted online via the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. The application fee is US$50, but is waived for applicants under the age of 18. Starting on October 1, 2024, the application fee will increase to US$120. [11]

Applicants are screened for citizenship and immigration status, and checked for criminal history and positive matches on U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Interpol terrorism and no-fly list, United Nations databases, and the United Kingdom Police National Computer.[ citation needed ] Applicants who pass the initial screening are granted "conditional approval" and then must be interviewed in person by agents of both the Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (typically one right after the other or at the same time). That is, members must interview with both agencies (unlike Global Entry, another Trusted Traveler Program via US Customs and Border Protection only). An interview does not guarantee final acceptance even if the applicant was granted conditional approval. After final approval, members are mailed an RFID-enabled NEXUS card, valid for five years from the applicant's birthday following card issuance. Renewal typically takes place six months prior to expiration, and some members may be selected to attend another interview to verify that they still qualify for the program.

Shortly after the announcement of the US requirement for a WHTI document for all travelers by 2009, CBP and CBSA announced their commitment to streamline the membership renewal process for the NEXUS program, and now will waive the interview for members who have not had changes to their information and have maintained their low-risk status. The United States and Canada also announced that they had begun enrollment blitzes to expedite the processing of NEXUS applications and had launched an outreach and awareness plan to increase membership in NEXUS.

Viajero Confiable Program

Mexican nationals who are also members of Mexico's Viajero Confiable Program may apply for the NEXUS Program online as of 2016. [12] US citizens who are members of Global Entry and meet other requirements may apply for the Viajero Confiable card. [13] [14]

At the 2016 North American Leaders’ Summit it was announced that by the end of 2016, "Canadian and American citizens who are members of the NEXUS Program will be eligible to apply to the Viajero Confiable Program, providing them with expedited immigration screening upon arrival at select international airports in Mexico." [15]

Use at land crossings

NEXUS cardholders are generally screened more quickly than non-NEXUS cardholders at Canadian and United States border crossings offering NEXUS, Ready and SENTRI lanes. However, such trusted travelers are still subject to standard immigration and customs checks, and may be selected for secondary screening. This is true for any type of border crossing, regardless of which Trusted Traveler Program the person is a member.

Entering Canada by land

Participating border crossing points typically have one lane solely reserved for NEXUS use, and some will also designate a second lane for NEXUS use on an as-needed basis. A vehicle can only use the NEXUS lane if all of its passengers (including children) hold a valid NEXUS card and nothing requiring a special customs declaration or payment of duty is being brought into Canada (see below). Members may also use Ready Lanes when entering the US from Canada or Mexico.

A NEXUS lane at the U.S. side of the Ambassador Bridge NexusLane.JPG
A NEXUS lane at the U.S. side of the Ambassador Bridge

Entering the US by land

NEXUS cards are valid for RFID Ready Lanes at land crossings into the United States from Canada and Mexico. [16] Ready lanes do not exist in the opposite direction of crossing.

Along the Mexican border, NEXUS members may utilize Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) lanes when entering the US by land, but must be traveling in an approved, registered vehicle [17] (SENTRI requires members to register their vehicles into the program, which involves a thorough inspection by CBP, whereas NEXUS has no such requirement). Regardless of whether the traveler is in an approved vehicle or not, the NEXUS card is a WHTI compliant document, and may be used in any standard lane from Mexico into the United States as proof of identity and citizenship. Pedestrians can use dedicated SENTRI lines for expedited entry into the U.S. from Tijuana at the San Ysidro border crossing.

Items permitted in a NEXUS lane

Land crossings with NEXUS lanes

Use at marine crossings

NEXUS members can report to approximately 450 designated sites in Canada [19] or land in the United States by phoning CBSA or CBP as applicable between 30 minutes and 4 hours before landing with specified information and appropriate declarations. [20]

Use at airports

Canada

NEXUS members entering Canada from anywhere in the world [21] may use a NEXUS machine to make customs declarations. NEXUS originally used iris scans for authentication in these kiosks, but starting in fall 2019 iris scanning has been replaced by facial recognition. If there is no facial scan on file with the CBSA the user will be prompted to scan their passport and face for subsequent use.

US and Canadian citizens may fly between the US and Canada using their NEXUS card, without the need for a passport.

NEXUS allows travelers flying from many Canadian airports, even on domestic flights, to bypass the regular security screening line and use an expedited trusted traveler line. [22] Starting June 21 2023 CATSA's new Verified Traveller program introduced additional security screening benefits for NEXUS members. [23]

Airports with customs and priority security screening

Airports with priority security screening only

United States

NEXUS fits with the US Global Entry program for expedited customs and immigration clearance. It also affords users TSA PreCheck (without a separate application) for expedited airport security checks. As in all cases, this benefit is not guaranteed: all persons are subject to any kind of screening and may be randomly selected for standard security lanes (though in practice, such selection is rare).

U.S. Global Entry

All NEXUS members can use their NEXUS membership at Global Entry kiosks regardless of where they are coming from, though NEXUS card facilities are only available at preclearance areas in Canada; however, in other areas, a passport or a U.S. permanent resident card is required. [24] Those using a Global Entry kiosk do not need to fill out a customs declaration card: instead, it is completed digitally on the kiosk (an option for no to all/nothing to declare appears on the GE kiosk, saving even more time, when applicable). If the member needs to see an immigration officer, they get front-of-line privileges (as with all Global Entry members).

Travelers holding a valid passport are not required to use the NEXUS card in the kiosk, but they are advised that it is prudent to carry it on their person. There is no additional cost to use Global Entry services, and it can be used for the duration of the NEXUS membership.

Canadian and US citizens flying between Canada and the US may use a NEXUS card in lieu of a passport because a NEXUS card is a WHTI compliant document. [25] [26] However, Canadian citizens with only a NEXUS card can only use Global Entry kiosks at designated Canadian airports with US preclearance, which are listed below and include Global Entry self-service kiosks: [21] [27]

Global Entry kiosks are also located at the following airports in the United States and internationally: [27]

* There are no enrollment centers at these locations.

TSA PreCheck

Canadian and US citizens as well as U.S. permanent residents [28] who are NEXUS members may use TSA PreCheck on all participating airlines, for check-in on both international and domestic US flights, by entering the Customs and Border Protection PASS ID / KTN (Known Traveler Number) from their NEXUS card into their flight reservation information or into their frequent flyer account. Note that this only applies to flights departing from the U.S. and for select airports with U.S. Preclearance facilities (such as in Canada and Ireland). In other words, those undergoing screening in a foreign flight destined for the U.S. or Canada are not entitled to expedited screening (unless they are a member of a joint program, such as those offered in South Korea, Australia, et al.).

In the United States, a trusted traveler card, such as NEXUS, is a valid secured document under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and may be used by itself to reenter the United States from Canada, including (in the case of NEXUS specifically) by air. Although the card creates a presumption of nationality, neither US nor Canadian law views the NEXUS card as full proof of citizenship. NEXUS cards issued after September 2010 are accepted as proof of citizenship (if the card holder is a citizen of either country), and the traveler is no longer required to carry the passport.

NEXUS and FAST membership cards are accepted as proof of identity and as documents that denote citizenship when entering Canada at all land and marine ports of entry. This means that citizens of Canada and the United States who are NEXUS or FAST members, and are carrying their valid membership cards, are no longer required to carry other supplementary documents such as passports or birth certificates with them when entering Canada by boat or by land, when using non-NEXUS or non-FAST lanes. [29] [30]

NEXUS and FAST members who are not citizens of Canada or the United States are still required to travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence, and they are required to present them at same time to the examining officer.

For form I-9 employment verification, a NEXUS card is an acceptable List B identity document as an ID card issued by a federal agency. [31]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Border control</span> Measures taken to regulate the movement of goods and people across borders

Border control comprises measures taken by governments to monitor and regulate the movement of people, animals, and goods across land, air, and maritime borders. While border control is typically associated with international borders, it also encompasses controls imposed on internal borders within a single state.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Port of entry</span> Place where one may lawfully enter a country

In general, a port of entry (POE) is a place where one may lawfully enter a country. It typically has border security staff and facilities to check passports and visas and to inspect luggage to assure that contraband is not imported. International airports are usually ports of entry, as are road and rail crossings on a land border. Seaports can be used as ports of entry only if a dedicated customs presence is posted there. The choice of whether to become a port of entry is up to the civil authority controlling the port.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canada–United States border</span> International border

The Canada–United States border is the longest international border in the world. The boundary is 8,891 km (5,525 mi) long. The land border has two sections: Canada's border with the contiguous United States to its south, and with the U.S. state of Alaska to its west. The bi-national International Boundary Commission deals with matters relating to marking and maintaining the boundary, and the International Joint Commission deals with issues concerning boundary waters. The agencies responsible for facilitating legal passage through the international boundary are the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canada Border Services Agency</span> Canadian agency in charge of border security

The Canada Border Services Agency is a federal law enforcement agency that is responsible for border control, immigration enforcement, and customs services in Canada.

In the United States, identity documents are typically the regional state-issued driver's license or identity card, while also the Social Security card and the United States Passport Card may serve as national identification. The United States passport itself also may serve as identification. There is, however, no official "national identity card" in the United States, in the sense that there is no federal agency with nationwide jurisdiction that directly issues an identity document to all US citizens for mandatory regular use.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">INSPASS</span> Former United States government program

INSPASS, or INS Passenger Accelerated Service System, was a program of the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) during the 1990s and early 2000s the purpose of which was to facilitate the entry of pre-screened low-risk travellers through immigration and customs at certain airports.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Visa policy of the United States</span> Policy on permits required to enter the United States and its unincorporated territories

Visitors to the United States must obtain a visa from one of the U.S. diplomatic missions unless they are citizens of one of the visa-exempt or Visa Waiver Program countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">CBP Office of Field Operations</span>

The Office of Field Operations (OFO) is a federal law enforcement agency within the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) responsible for managing United States customs operations at 20 Field Operations offices, 328 ports of entry, and 16 pre-clearance stations in Canada, Ireland, the UAE, and the Caribbean. Headed by an Executive Assistant Commissioner, OFO directs the activities of more than 27,000 employees, including more than 22,000 CBP Officers and Agriculture Specialists. CBP Office of Field Operations is the largest component in CBP.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative</span> Passport requirement for entry into the US from select countries of the Americas

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is the implementation of the requirement to show a passport or other acceptable document to enter the United States, for nationals of certain North American jurisdictions who were previously exempt from it when traveling within the Americas. The requirement was mandated by the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, enacted in 2004 in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and implemented in phases between 2007 and 2009. According to the United States Department of Homeland Security, the purpose is to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for both U.S. citizens and foreign visitors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United States passport card</span> U.S. identification card

The United States passport card is an optional national identity card and a travel document issued by the U.S. federal government in the size of a credit card. Like a U.S. passport book, the passport card is only issued to U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals exclusively by the U.S. Department of State. The passport card allows its holders to travel by domestic air flights within the U.S., and to travel by land and sea within North America. However, the passport card cannot be used for international air travel. US passport cards are used to verify identity and US citizenship. The requirements to attain the passport card are identical to the passport book and compliant to the standards for identity documents set by the REAL ID Act.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SENTRI</span>

The Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) provides expedited U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) processing, at the U.S.-Mexico border, of pre-approved travelers considered low-risk. Voluntarily applicants must undergo a thorough background check against criminal, customs, immigration, law enforcement, and terrorist databases; a 10-fingerprint law enforcement check; and a personal interview with a CBP Officer. The total enrollment fee is $122.50, and SENTRI status is valid for 5 years.

The Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program is a joint United States-Canadian program between the Canada Border Services Agency and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The FAST initiative offers pre-authorized importers, carriers and drivers expedited clearance for eligible goods, building on what Canada previously implemented under their Customs Self Assessment (CSA) program. In the French language, FAST is referred to as EXPRES – Expéditions rapides et sécuritaires.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Global Entry</span> U.S. Customs and Border Protection program

Global Entry is a program of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection service that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to receive expedited clearance upon arrival into the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports and via the SENTRI and NEXUS lanes by land and sea. As of May 4, 2018, Global Entry was available at 53 U.S. airports and 15 preclearance locations. By April 2018 more than five million people were enrolled in Global Entry and approximately 50,000 new applications for the program were being filed each month.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">American entry into Canada by land</span>

U.S. citizens and permanent residents entering Canada by land are required to possess the requisite documentation, such as a passport, driver's license, and other valid identification documents. They must also meet other criteria, such as passing security measures, before they are allowed entry into Canada. Consequently, travelers must also meet the requirements for re-entering the U.S. at the end of their visit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">APEC Business Travel Card</span> Travel document

The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) is a travel document issued to business travellers who are citizens of APEC participating economies. Valid for five years, the card eliminates the need for its holder to possess a visa when visiting other APEC participating economies as long as pre-clearance has been obtained during the application process.

Biometrics refers to the automated recognition of individuals based on their biological and behavioral characteristics, not to be confused with statistical biometrics; which is used to analyse data in the biological sciences. Biometrics for the purposes of identification may involve DNA matching, facial recognition, fingerprints, retina and iris scanning, voice analysis, handwriting, gait, and even body odor.

Programa Viajero Confiable is a Mexican trusted traveler program which allows members to pass securely through customs and immigration controls in reduced time, using automated kiosks at participating airports. Programa Viajero Confiable, a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) program, was introduced in three airports in 2014 and has since expanded to additional sites.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Automated border control system</span> Type of automated self-service barrier

Automated border control systems (ABC) or eGates are automated self-service barriers which use data stored in a chip in biometric passports along with a photo or fingerprint taken at the time of entering the eGates to verify the passport holder's identity. Travellers undergo biometric verification using facial or iris recognition, fingerprints, or a combination of modalities. After the identification process is complete and the passport holder's identity is verified, a physical barrier such as a gate or turnstile opens to permit passage. If the passport holder's identification is not verified or if the system malfunctions, then the gate or turnstile does not open and an immigration officer will meet the person. E-gates came about in the early 2000s as an automated method of reading the then-newly ICAO mandated e-passports.

Mobile Passport Control is a mobile app that enables eligible travelers entering the United States to submit their passport information and customs declaration form to Customs and Border Protection via smartphone or tablet and go through the inspections process using an expedited lane. It is available to "U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2 citizen visitors and returning Visa Waiver Program travelers with approved ESTA".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">TSA PreCheck</span> U.S. Transportation Security Administration traveler program

TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler program initiated in December 2013 and administered by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration that allows selected members of select frequent flyer programs, members of Global Entry, Free and Secure Trade, NEXUS, and SENTRI, members of the US military, and cadets and midshipmen of the United States service academies to receive expedited screening for domestic and select international itineraries. As of July 2023, this program was available at more than 200 airports.

References

  1. ↑ Thompson, Chris (October 13, 2000). "Customs testing no wait crossings" . Business. The Windsor Star . p. D8. Retrieved 25 April 2019– via Newspapers.com.
  2. ↑ Cody, Jason (November 29, 2000). "New frequent-crosser program reduces inspections on bridge" . Local & State. The Times Herald . p. 3A. Retrieved 25 April 2019– via Newspapers.com.
  3. ↑ McMahon, Tom, ed. (December 27, 2001). "Commuter lanes reopen at Sarnia border crossing" . Local. The Windsor Star . p. A3. Retrieved 25 April 2019– via Newspapers.com.
  4. ↑ "U.S., Canada sign 'smart border' declaration". CNN.com . OTTAWA, Ontario: CNN. December 13, 2001. Retrieved 25 April 2019.
  5. ↑ Audi, Tamara; Bennett, Jeff (September 10, 2002). "Bush, Chretien tout a quicker border crossing" . Detroit Free Press . pp.  1A, 2A . Retrieved 25 April 2019– via Newspapers.com.
  6. 1 2 "NEXUS – Eligibility". Cbsa-asfc.gc.ca. Archived from the original on 2016-12-25. Retrieved 10 January 2018.
  7. ↑ "NEXUS – Amendment to the Three-Year Residency Requirement – You may now qualify for NEXUS membership". Cbsa-asfc.gc.ca. Retrieved 10 January 2018.
  8. ↑ "CBSA Customs Notice 12-020". Canada Border Services Agency. Archived from the original on 15 March 2016. Retrieved 10 January 2018.
  9. ↑ "NEXUS". Canada Border Services Agency. May 8, 2012. Archived from the original on 2012-07-08. Retrieved 10 January 2018.
  10. ↑ "NEXUS Eligibility". U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Archived from the original on 11 May 2009. Retrieved 10 January 2018.
  11. ↑ "The CBSA and U.S. CBP provide an update on the NEXUS program" (Press release). Ottawa, Ontario: Canada Border Services Agency. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 2 April 2024.
  12. ↑ "NEXUS – Using the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) System". Cbsa-asfc.gc.ca. Archived from the original on 9 January 2018. Retrieved 10 January 2018.
  13. ↑ "Viajero Confiable for U.S. Citizens – U.S. Customs and Border Protection". Cbp.gov. Retrieved 10 January 2018.
  14. ↑ "United States Announces Trilateral Agreement with Canada and Mexico to Expand Trusted Traveler Programs". Dhs.gov. 5 August 2015. Retrieved 10 January 2018.
  15. ↑ "Border Facilitation". Pm.gc.ca. June 29, 2016. Retrieved 10 January 2018.
  16. ↑ "Ready Lane Document Requirements" . Retrieved 2020-06-13.
  17. ↑ "NEXUS General Information". U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
  18. ↑ "Canada Bound Rainbow Bridge NEXUS Lane Closing January 23, 2011" Archived August 20, 2011, at the Wayback Machine , "Canada Border Services Agency", January 5, 2011, accessed January 27, 2011.
  19. ↑ "Marine crossings". Canada Border Services Agency. Archived from the original on 2007-11-14. Retrieved 10 January 2018.
  20. ↑ "NEXUS – Marine". Cbsa-asfc.gc.ca. Retrieved 10 January 2018.
  21. 1 2 3 "NEXUS – Air". Canada Border Services Agency. Retrieved 10 January 2018.
  22. 1 2 "Using your NEXUS card at security". Canadian Air Transport Security Authority. 15 January 2013. Retrieved 30 April 2014.
  23. ↑ "Verified Traveller". Canadian Air Transport Security Authority. 21 June 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2023.
  24. ↑ "NEXUS Cards". U.S. Customs and Border protection. Retrieved 2019-12-11.
  25. ↑ "Timatic". Timatic. IATA. Retrieved 4 December 2017.[ dead link ]
  26. ↑ Department of Homeland Security. "WHTI Program Background". U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  27. 1 2 "Airports with Global Entry Kiosks". U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Retrieved 10 January 2018.
  28. ↑ "TSA Pre✓®". U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Retrieved 2019-12-11.
  29. ↑ "NEXUS Proof of ID". Canada Border Services Agency. Archived from the original on 2010-02-22. Retrieved 10 January 2018.
  30. ↑ Can I use my NEXUS card as proof of identification and citizenship in non-NEXUS lanes when entering Canada? Government of Canada Website on NEXUS programme. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
  31. ↑ "How do I create a case for an employee who provided a SENTRI, NEXUS, or Global Entry card (also known as Trusted Traveler card)?". E-Verify US Department of Homeland Security. 30 April 2018. Retrieved 2 February 2022.

Further reading

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.