Last Updated On 23 May 2023, 11:31 AM EDT (Toronto Time)

NEXUS is a bi-national program for pre-approved, low-risk travellers entering Canada or the United States (U.S.) at designated air, land, and sea ports of entry.

The NEXUS program expedites entry into the United States and Canada for pre-screened travellers.

Members of the program use specific processing lanes at designated northern border ports of entry, NEXUS kiosks when flying into Canada, and Global Entry kiosks when flying into the United States through Canadian Pre-clearance airports.

NEXUS members are also given priority processing at marine reporting points.

The program allows its members to enter either country more quickly and easily by using automated self-service kiosks in the air, dedicated lanes on the land and calling Telephone Reporting Centres (TRCs) before arrival in the sea.

In this article, you can learn about the following:

Know about

Updates on the NEXUS program

While NEXUS and FAST registration centres in Canada are still closed, interviews have resumed in centres in the United States.

In addition, the Trusted Traveller portal allows any candidates, including Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents, to schedule interviews at the closest U.S. enrollment centre.

However, applications are processing slowly. Check your account on the Trusted Traveller program portal for a status update on your application.

To keep your membership benefits when it expires, it is advisable to renew your membership.

The benefits of the Nexus program

NEXUS members save time and avoid long lines using computerized self-service kiosks at nine Canadian international airports (NEXUS Air).

NEXUS members can also bypass airport security screening lanes at 16 Canadian airports while flying domestically, to the United States, or on select international flights.

However, Members must show their valid NEXUS card to use the Trusted Traveller CATSA Security Line.

Here’s how NEXUS members can save time and avoid long lines:

Using computerized self-service NEXUS kiosks at nine major international airports to enter Canada and U.S. Global Entry kiosks to enter the U.S.
Getting priority clearance through security screening lines at major and select mid-sized Canadian airports;
Obtaining expedited clearance through TSA Pre-Check lines at over 200 participating U.S. airports. For additional information, go to NEXUS Air.
Taking advantage of a streamlined entry process using dedicated vehicle lanes at 21 designated land border crossings. For further information, check out NEXUS Land.
When arriving in Canada by boat, call a Telephone Reporting Centre located at over 450 marine stations around the country. For additional information, visit NEXUS Marine.

Who is eligible to join the NEXUS program?

To be eligible to join NEXUS, you must be a Canadian citizen or a Canadian permanent resident. Or a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident or a Mexican national.

For you to join NEXUS, your application must be accepted by both Canada and the U.S. Your application will be rejected if you don’t satisfy all requirements.

How to join the NEXUS program?

To become a member of the NEXUS program, follow the steps below:

Utilize the Trusted Travelers Programs (TTP) website;
Apply and complete the registration process
Pay the non-refundable USD 50 processing fee.
Fulfill the qualifying requirements
Be admissible to both Canada and the United States; and
Pass both countries’ risk assessments.

If you are applying with your family, each person must submit a separate application to join the NEXUS program. Applicants below the age of 18 years do not need to pay the processing fees.

Moreover, parents or legal guardians must complete the application process for applicants under 18 years old.

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.