A NEXUS card is a border crossing card that offers expedited travel at the U.S. and Canadian Borders for pre-screened individuals. There are designated border ports, preclearance airports, and marine reporting locations where individuals with a NEXUS card may enter. Becoming a member of the NEXUS program reduces wait times at designated ports of entry through specific NEXUS pass lanes at border crossings, kiosks (only Canadian preclearance locations), or calling in your arrival to the United States by calling a marine telephone reporting center.
You are eligible for a NEXUS card if you are a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident, Canadian Citizen, or Canadian Lawful Permanent Resident. If you are under the age of 18, you must have a parent or legal guardian’s consent.
There are two ways in which you can apply for a NEXUS card:
- Global Online Enrollment System (GOES): requires the $50 USD one-time fee paid at the time of application submission and you can pay by either credit card or electronic bank transfer.
- Mail: requires a $50 CAD fee when applying to a Canadian Processing Center. The fee can be paid by either credit card, check, or money order. When paying by check or money order, they must be payable to Canadian Border Services.
Once the application has been submitted, it takes about 1 to 3 months to receive a decision on your Trusted Traveler status. If you have been determined to be a good NEXUS candidate, you will then be notified to setup an interview with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. If the application has been submitted correctly and all documents are in place, the interview is the final step in obtaining a NEXUS card.
The application fee is non-refundable regardless if an application is denied. Individuals applying for a NEXUS card have to understand that an application has to be approved by both the United States and Canada. Denial of an application by either country will prevent an individual from participating in the NEXUS program.
There is a non-refundable fee of $25 USD if your NEXUS card needs to be replaced if damaged, lost, or stolen. If you are traveling with persons into the U.S. or Canada and they are not NEXUS card holders, you must use regular lanes when entering at the border.
For more information regarding the NEXUS program and how to apply please visit: http://Users/davidlewis/Sites/berardi/app/public.cbp.gov
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