How to Apply for a NEXUS Trusted Traveller Card in Canada
By WelcomeAide Team
If you frequently travel between Canada and the United States, the NEXUS trusted traveller program can dramatically reduce your wait times at the border. NEXUS provides pre-approved, low-risk travellers with expedited processing at designated land, air, and marine ports of entry. For newcomers to Canada who travel regularly to the US for work, family visits, or leisure, NEXUS is one of the most valuable travel documents you can obtain.
What Is NEXUS?
NEXUS is a joint program between the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It allows pre-screened, approved travellers to use dedicated lanes at land borders, self-serve kiosks at airports, and designated lanes at marine ports of entry.
The program is available to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, U.S. citizens, and lawful permanent residents of the United States. Citizens of other countries may also be eligible if they meet the requirements of both countries.
Benefits of NEXUS Membership
NEXUS membership offers several significant advantages:
- Dedicated border lanes: Use NEXUS-only lanes at land border crossings to bypass regular lineups that can sometimes stretch for hours
- Airport kiosks: Use self-serve NEXUS kiosks at Canadian airports for expedited customs and immigration processing when arriving from international destinations
- TSA PreCheck: NEXUS members automatically receive TSA PreCheck privileges in the United States, allowing expedited security screening at U.S. airports
- Global Entry: NEXUS members can use Global Entry kiosks when arriving at U.S. airports from international destinations
- Marine reporting: Streamlined telephone reporting when arriving by boat at designated marine ports
- Low cost: The program costs only CAD $50 (approximately USD $35) for a five-year membership—far less than the standalone Global Entry program
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for NEXUS, you must:
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada or the United States (citizens of other countries may apply but face additional screening)
- Be admissible to both Canada and the United States
- Have no criminal record (some exceptions may apply for pardoned or rehabilitated offences)
- Have no customs or immigration violations
- Be willing to undergo a background check by both CBSA and CBP
- Meet with a CBSA and CBP officer for an in-person interview
As a newcomer who is a Canadian permanent resident, you are eligible to apply. However, you should be aware that CBP will evaluate your admissibility to the US, which may involve reviewing your immigration history, criminal background, and travel patterns.
See also: How to Apply for Canadian Permanent Residence
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Create a Trusted Traveller Program (TTP) Account
Visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveller Programs website and create an account. You'll need a valid email address and will create a username and password. This same portal is used for NEXUS, Global Entry, SENTRI, and FAST applications.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
Log in and select "NEXUS" as your program. The application requires detailed personal information including:
- Full legal name and any aliases or previous names
- Date and place of birth
- Citizenship and immigration status details
- Passport information (both Canadian and any other passports you hold)
- Permanent resident card information
- Employment history for the past five years
- Residential history for the past five years
- Travel history
- Vehicle information (if you plan to use NEXUS at land borders)
Be thorough and accurate. Discrepancies between your application and background checks can lead to delays or denial.
See also: Replace Lost PR Card Guide
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
The non-refundable application fee is CAD $50. Payment is made online by credit card. If your application is denied, the fee is not refunded.
Step 4: Wait for Conditional Approval
After submitting your application, both CBSA and CBP conduct background checks. This process can take several weeks to several months depending on application volumes and your background. You can check your status online through your TTP account.
If either agency requires additional information, they may contact you. Respond promptly to avoid delays.
Step 5: Schedule and Attend Your Interview
Once conditionally approved, you must schedule an in-person interview at a NEXUS Enrollment Centre. These are located at major border crossings and some airports across Canada and the US. Popular locations include:
- Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
- Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
- Pacific Highway (Surrey, BC)
- Peace Arch (Surrey, BC)
- Fort Erie, ON / Buffalo, NY
- Montreal-Trudeau Airport (YUL)
During the interview, officers from both CBSA and CBP will ask you questions about your application, travel history, and reasons for wanting NEXUS. You'll also provide fingerprints and an iris scan for biometric identification. Bring the following documents:
- Valid passport
- Permanent resident card
- Valid photo ID (driver's licence)
- Proof of address
- Any additional documents listed in your conditional approval notice
Step 6: Receive Your NEXUS Card
If approved at the interview, your NEXUS card will be mailed to you within a few weeks. The card is valid for five years and includes your photo, name, and a proximity chip for use at border kiosks and dedicated lanes.
See also: Getting a Driver's Licence in Canada
See also: NEXUS Card Guide for Newcomers
Using Your NEXUS Card
At Land Borders
Drive into the NEXUS-only lane, present your card to the reader, answer any questions from the officer, and proceed. During peak times at busy crossings like Peace Arch or Pacific Highway, the NEXUS lane can save you 30 minutes to over an hour.
At Canadian Airports
When arriving from an international destination, use the NEXUS kiosk instead of waiting in the regular customs line. Scan your passport or NEXUS card, answer the declaration questions, scan your iris, and proceed.
At U.S. Airports
Use Global Entry kiosks when arriving in the US from international destinations. Your NEXUS membership automatically grants Global Entry access. For domestic U.S. flights, your NEXUS Known Traveler Number (KTN) provides TSA PreCheck access—add it to your airline profile.
Maintaining Your NEXUS Membership
- Report changes: Notify the program of any changes to your personal information, including name changes, new passport numbers, or change of address
- Follow the rules: Always make truthful declarations and comply with all customs and immigration laws. Violations can result in suspension or revocation of your membership
- Renew before expiry: You can renew your membership up to one year before your card expires through your TTP account. Renewal costs CAD $50
- Keep your card safe: Report lost or stolen cards immediately through the CBSA or CBP
Common Reasons for Denial
Applications can be denied for various reasons including:
- Criminal record (including DUI convictions, which are serious offences under Canadian law)
- Previous immigration violations in either country
- Providing false or incomplete information on the application
- Previous customs seizures or penalties
- Inadmissibility to either Canada or the United States
If denied, you'll receive a letter explaining the reason. In some cases, you may be able to address the issue (such as obtaining a criminal rehabilitation or waiver) and reapply after one year.
NEXUS vs. Other Trusted Traveller Programs
NEXUS is the best value among trusted traveller programs because it includes benefits of multiple programs:
- NEXUS (CAD $50/5 years): Canada-US border benefits + Global Entry + TSA PreCheck
- Global Entry (USD $100/5 years): US arrival benefits + TSA PreCheck only
- TSA PreCheck (USD $78/5 years): US airport security screening only
For Canadian residents, NEXUS provides the most benefits at the lowest cost.
Additional Resources
- CBSA - NEXUS Program
- CBP - Trusted Traveller Programs
- CBSA - How to Apply for NEXUS
- CBSA - NEXUS Enrollment Centre Locations
The NEXUS card is one of the best investments a newcomer to Canada can make if you travel between Canada and the United States. For just $50 over five years, you get expedited border crossings, Global Entry privileges, and TSA PreCheck. The application process takes some time, but the years of hassle-free travel make it well worth the effort.
Related Resources
WelcomeAide Tools
Related Guides
Official Government Sources
Keep WelcomeAide Free
This guide is free — and always will be.
WelcomeAide is a nonprofit. If this helped you, a small donation keeps us running for the next newcomer.
Support WelcomeAide →