NEXUS cards are a valuable asset to anyone who crosses the US Canada border. If
you are unsure whether you qualify or have another question, read our FAQs.
If you know about Nexus Card and wish to apply
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What is a Nexus card?
It is a border crossing card that can be used in place of a passport when
crossing between Canada and the USA by land, sea or air. It allows users to use
the special lanes, which significantly speeds up travel by reducing waiting
times at Customs and Immigration on both sides of the border.
What is the difference between a Nexus card and a passport?
A passport can be used worldwide for travel between foreign countries. The Nexus
card can be used instead of a passport when travelling between the US and
Canada. It conforms to all requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel
Initiative and each card has embedded biometric data to identify the owner to
customs and border protection just like a passport.
What happens at the Nexus interview?
You will be interviewed by a border official from the US and one from Canada.
Families are interviewed all together. You will be asked to verify some of the
data you entered onto your original application form as well as being asked how
often you intend to cross the border and for what purposes. Many interviewing
officers also ask questions relating to whether you have a criminal record or
history of immigration violations. After the questions the program is explained
to you in detail and you are given a booklet to take home. Then your biometric
data is taken (fingerprints, photo and if you want to use the card for air
travel the iris scan). You will be told if you are accepted onto the program
once the interview has ended.
How long will it take for my Nexus cards to arrive?
The cards are sent out by mail from the central HQ around 10 days after your
interview.
How can I use the Nexus card at the airport?
You can use the card as an air card at airports in Canada and the US. It makes
your wait times at Customs and Immigration significantly less because you can
use the special lanes. You can also use the card instead of a passport if you
are travelling by air between Canada and the US.
Where is the Nexus interview held?
The interviews are held at the
enrolment centres
. They are located across Canada
and you can book an appointment with the any one that suits your location.
What is the fastest way to get across the US Canada border?
The fastest way to get through customs and immigration at the border is to be a
Nexus card holder. By becoming a trusted traveller you will be able to use the
designated lanes and will experience less waiting and fewer questions from
border guards.
How should I answer Nexus interview questions?
Truthfully! Some of the questions will be about information you have already
submitted on your application form, others will be about your reasons for
crossing the border. Some questions may be about a previous criminal record or
immigration violation. There is no point in lying – the interviewing officer
already knows most of the answers.
How long is a Nexus card valid for?
It is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. When it expires you must reapply
as if you were applying for the first time. The reason renewal is not automatic
is because your circumstances may have changed e.g. you may have a criminal
conviction or your address and employment details may have changed.
When would a Nexus card be revoked?
Your card would only be taken away from you if you were caught violating customs
and immigration rules e.g. bringing prohibited goods into the country or
exceeding the allowable limits. Cards can also be revoked if you fail to report
changes to your present status like a change in your immigration status, change
of address, renewal of personal ID documents. Cards have also been cancelled
when drivers have been caught dropping off non-Nexus card holders at the border
so that they (the driver) could use the designated lane.
Where does the Nexus interview in Toronto take place?
The only interview centre in Toronto is at Pearson International Airport on the
departure level, Post H.
What is the fee for a Nexus card?
The government fee is CAN $60. It is only charged to adults aged 18 and over.
Immigroup charges a service fee for inputting your data, scheduling your
appointment and dealing with the government. The cost is CDN $229.50 for our
regular service and CDN $342.50 for our expedited service.
Do I need a separate Nexus card for my child?
Yes. Children no matter (even new born babies) what age have to have their own
cards if they are to cross the border with you using the designated lanes.
How can I activate my Nexus card?
You must go online to the government enrolment system know as
GOES
and click the Activate Membership Card button on the left corner at the bottom of the
page. Then follow the instructions.
Why was I denied my Nexus card?
There are many reasons why you may be denied a card. If you have a criminal
record you will be denied even if it was committed so long ago. Also if you have
violated immigration or customs rules you will be denied. Some applicants
receive a denial because they did not fill out their application form
accurately. Immigroup can help with your Nexus application. Our trained staff
process applications every day and are experienced in submitting the correct
information to the government.
What residency requirements are needed for immigrants to get a Nexus card?
You must be a Canadian or US citizen or permanent resident who has lived
continuously in Canada or the US (or both) for the last three years.
How long does it take to get a Nexus interview?
The waiting times for interviews vary between locations; Toronto and Montreal
are the busiest enrolment centres and therefore the ones with the longest wait
times for interviews.
What is a Global Entry Benefit?
As a NEXUS member, you can use the Global Entry kiosks located at the top 20
major U.S. international airports to enter the U.S from anywhere in the world.
To use the Global Entry kiosks, you must use a valid machine readable passport.
Do not use your NEXUS card in the kiosk, but you may wish to carry it with you.
There is no additional cost to use Global Entry, and you may use it for the
duration of your NEXUS membership More information about the Global entry
program you may read here(put a link to the Goes program)
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