Trusted travel program helps eligible travelers quickly pass through border security at U.S. airports, seaports, and land ports.
There is a lesser-known program, Nexus, for frequent travelers who cross the US-Canada border. What is even lesser-known is that Nexus also includes a Global Entry (and thus one TSA Pre-Check) membership for just an additional $50.
Wondering if Nexus is the right program for you? Here’s everything you need to know.
How Nexus Works
U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents of the United States, Canadian citizens, lawful permanent residents of Canada, and Mexican citizens of Mexican equivalent program (Viajero Confiable) are eligible to join Nexus. Those under 18 must have the consent of a parent or legal guardian to join.
Nexus provides pre-screened travelers with expedited processing services when entering the United States and Canada by plane, car, or boat. Nexus uses Nexus-only processing lanes at designated ports of entry along the northern border; Nexus kiosks when entering Canada by air; and Global Entry Kiosk when it comes to one of the nine Canada’s Pre-Quarantine Airport in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Alberta. The Global Entry Card provides Nexus access when entering the United States but is not valid for entry into Canada through Nexus lanes or kiosks.
Nexus Application Process
Visitors can apply online to become a Nexus member, after which they will be prompted to schedule an in-person interview at Admission Center.
Currently, there are 15 enrollment locations in Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New York, North Dakota, Vermont, Washington, and Canada.
As of 2023, the average processing time for Nexus is 18 to 20 months, so plan accordingly.
Like other Trusted Traveler Programs, Nexus membership is valid for five years. Adult applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee of $50.
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The Canada Border Services Agency and the United States Customs and Border Protection advise Nexus visa holders to renew their visa applications one year before they expire.
Nexus Card
Once approved, Nexus members will receive a member identification card in the mail to use when entering Canada or the United States at designated Nexus ports of entry.
To activate your Nexus card, simply log in to your Trusted Traveler Program account and click the “Activate Membership” button under the “Program Membership” section.
Once your membership is active, plan to keep your card with you (along with your passport and/or proof of permanent residency) whenever you travel. CBP recommends doing this to ensure you can provide adequate proof of citizenship or permanent residency if needed.
If you lose your Nexus card, there is a $25 replacement fee.
Register upon arrival
Similar to Global Entry, conditionally approved Nexus applicants can complete the interview step through Registration on Arrival when returning to the United States by air, including from designated CBP preclearance locations.
This process allows conditionally approved applicants to complete a Global Entry and/or Nexus admissions interview as part of the immigration process upon arrival at the airport after international travel. To do this, look for signs at the airport for the “Check-in Upon Arrival” lane. Also, make sure your flight arrives during the interview hours.
A CBP officer will complete your Global Entry interview during the admissions screening process.
Because Nexus is a jointly administered Trusted Traveler Program, applicants must interview with both CBP and CBSA to be approved.
This requires a two-step process. First, applicants must interview with CBSA at Canadian airport application centres to complete the Canadian portion of the interview. They must then interview with CBP at designated Arrival Registration locations.
All conditionally approved applicants are eligible to complete their CBP interview through Check-in on Arrival at any participating U.S. airport or preclearance location, regardless of whether they have completed the CBSA portion of the interview.
Admission interviews upon arrival are held on a first-come, first-served basis subject to the availability of relevant airport staff.
Nexus includes Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
As mentioned above, Nexus membership includes access to Global Entry and, therefore, TSA PreCheck security checkpoints. TSA PreCheck is an expedited security program run by the Transportation Security Administration for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. TSA PreCheck users go through dedicated TSA PreCheck security checkpoint lines at more than 200 US airports without removing shoes, laptop, liquids, belts and light jackets.
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, by meeting the Nexus eligibility requirements and sharing your passport information and fingerprints during your admissions interview, you will be eligible for Global Entry. The problem is that this program is most beneficial to Americans who live near the Canadian border, as only border locations accept applications for interviews.
The same rules apply to any other TSA PreCheck user, whether or not they have a Nexus.
Once you register, you’ll need to add your Known Traveler Number to your airline reservation. Then, when you access your boarding pass, you’ll see a TSA PreCheck indicator. Showing your boarding pass with this icon is the only way to gain access to the TSA PreCheck lane.
Nexus Fee Reimbursement Credit Card
Some credit cards provides cardholders with up to $100 in credit statement reimbursement for application fees associated with TSA PreCheck and Global Entry (and thus Nexus), including:
The price of Global Entry will increase to $120 in October, so check back. The credit card company will increase its statement credit. accordingly.
Last line
Eligible travelers can take advantage of Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and Nexus for half the price of a Global Entry membership. If you are a U.S., Mexican, or Canadian citizen who frequently crosses the U.S.-Canada border, this program may be for you.
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