How to Get a NEXUS Card in Canada: Trusted Traveller Program Guide

What Is the NEXUS Trusted Traveller Program?

The NEXUS program is a joint initiative between the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It was created to expedite the border clearance process for pre-approved, low-risk travellers who frequently cross the Canada-US border. Whether you travel for work, family visits, or leisure, NEXUS membership can dramatically reduce your wait times at land, air, and marine ports of entry. The program is open to Canadian citizens, US citizens, and lawful permanent residents of both countries. In some cases, citizens of other countries may also be eligible if they meet specific criteria.

NEXUS is part of a broader family of trusted traveller programs. In the United States, similar programs include Global Entry, SENTRI, and FAST. However, NEXUS is unique because it covers both Canadian and American border processes in a single membership. As a newcomer to Canada, understanding this program can save you considerable time and frustration if you travel frequently to the United States. For more information on crossing the border, see our guide on travel documents for new immigrants.

Benefits of NEXUS Membership

NEXUS members enjoy a wide range of benefits that make cross-border travel significantly more convenient. At land border crossings, NEXUS members have access to dedicated lanes that typically have much shorter wait times than regular lanes. During peak travel periods, such as long weekends and holidays, the difference can be dramatic, with regular lanes backed up for hours while NEXUS lanes move in minutes.

Airport Benefits

At major Canadian airports, NEXUS members can use self-service kiosks for customs and immigration processing. These kiosks use iris recognition technology to verify your identity, allowing you to bypass regular customs lines. In the United States, NEXUS membership also provides access to TSA PreCheck lanes at domestic airports, which means you do not need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets during security screening. Additionally, NEXUS serves as a Global Entry equivalent when arriving in the US by air from international destinations, allowing you to use Global Entry kiosks at US airports.

Marine Benefits

For boaters crossing the Canada-US border by water, NEXUS provides a telephone reporting option that eliminates the need to report in person at a marine port of entry. This is particularly useful for recreational boaters in areas such as the Pacific Northwest and the Great Lakes region. Overall, the annual cost of NEXUS membership works out to just $10 USD per year, making it one of the most cost-effective trusted traveller programs available.

Who Is Eligible for NEXUS?

To be eligible for NEXUS, you must be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada or the United States, or a citizen of another country who meets specific requirements. Both the CBSA and CBP must approve your application, which means you need to be admissible to both countries. Applicants must not have any criminal convictions, must not have violated any customs or immigration laws, and must be able to demonstrate that they are low-risk travellers. If you have a criminal record, even a minor one, your application will likely be denied. Similarly, if you have ever been refused entry to either Canada or the United States, this may affect your eligibility.

Newcomers who have recently obtained Canadian permanent residency should be aware that their immigration history will be reviewed during the application process. If you have a complex immigration background, consider consulting with an immigration professional before applying. For more about immigration pathways, visit our Express Entry comprehensive guide.

How to Apply for a NEXUS Card

Step 1: Create a GOES Account

The first step in the NEXUS application process is creating an account on the Global Online Enrollment System (GOES). GOES is the online platform used by US Customs and Border Protection to manage all trusted traveller program applications. To create your account, you will need a valid email address and will be asked to set up a username and password. Once your account is created, you can begin filling out the NEXUS application form.

Step 2: Complete the Application

The application form requires detailed personal information, including your full name, date of birth, citizenship, residency history, employment history, and travel history. You will also need to provide information about any criminal convictions, immigration violations, or previous applications to trusted traveller programs. Be thorough and honest in your responses, as any discrepancies between your application and the information obtained during the background check can result in denial. The application fee of $50 USD (approximately $68 CAD depending on exchange rates) is payable by credit card at the time of submission.

Step 3: Background Check and Conditional Approval

After you submit your application and pay the fee, both the CBSA and CBP will conduct thorough background checks. This process can take several weeks to several months, depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of your background. During this time, your application status will show as "Pending Review" in your GOES account. Once both agencies have completed their reviews and you have been conditionally approved, you will be notified to schedule an interview at a NEXUS enrollment centre.

The NEXUS Interview Process

The interview is a critical component of the NEXUS application process. You must attend an in-person interview at a designated NEXUS enrollment centre, which are located at various points along the Canada-US border and at select airports. During the interview, you will meet with both a CBSA officer and a CBP officer, either simultaneously or in sequence. The officers will verify your identity, ask questions about your travel patterns and background, and collect biometric data including fingerprints and iris scans.

What to Bring to Your Interview

You should bring your valid passport (Canadian, American, or other nationality), your permanent resident card if applicable, a secondary piece of government-issued photo identification, and any documents that support information you provided in your application. If you are a Canadian permanent resident, bring your PR card. If you are a US lawful permanent resident, bring your green card. Arriving prepared and with all necessary documents will help ensure a smooth interview process.

Using Your NEXUS Card at the Border

Once approved, you will receive your NEXUS card by mail within a few weeks. The card is a proximity card that contains an RFID chip. At land border crossings, you will use the dedicated NEXUS lane and present your card to the reader. At airports, you will use your card or iris scan at the self-service kiosks. It is important to always have your passport with you when travelling internationally, even though NEXUS speeds up the process. The NEXUS card is not a travel document and does not replace your passport.

Rules and Obligations for NEXUS Members

As a NEXUS member, you are expected to comply with all customs and immigration laws of both Canada and the United States. Any violation, including failure to declare goods, misrepresentation, or criminal activity, can result in suspension or revocation of your membership. You must also keep your information up to date in your GOES account. If you change your address, employment, or citizenship status, you must update your profile within 30 days. For information about customs declarations, review the CBSA declaration requirements.

Renewal and Expiration

NEXUS membership is valid for five years from the date of approval. You can renew your membership through your GOES account up to one year before your card expires. The renewal fee is also $50 USD. If your personal circumstances have not changed significantly, you may be able to renew without attending another in-person interview. However, if there have been changes to your background or if either agency requires additional verification, you may be asked to attend a renewal interview. It is recommended to begin the renewal process well in advance of your expiration date to avoid any gaps in your membership.

What Happens If Your Card Expires?

If your NEXUS card expires before you renew, you will not be able to use NEXUS lanes or kiosks until your renewal is processed and a new card is issued. There is a grace period during which you can still renew without starting a completely new application, but you should not rely on this. Plan ahead and renew early. If your membership has been expired for an extended period, you may need to submit a new application and attend a new interview.

Common Issues and How to Avoid Them

Several common issues can complicate or delay the NEXUS application process. Incomplete or inaccurate applications are the most frequent cause of delays. Double-check all information before submitting. Criminal records, even for minor offences, can result in denial. If you have a record, consider applying for a record suspension (pardon) before applying for NEXUS. Immigration issues, such as previous overstays or refusals, can also cause problems. Be upfront about your history, as both agencies will discover it during the background check.

Some applicants face difficulties scheduling interviews due to limited availability at enrollment centres. Consider choosing a less popular location if your preferred centre has long wait times. Centres at smaller border crossings often have more availability than those at major airports or crossings near Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal. For broader immigration planning advice, see our Provincial Nominee Program guide.

NEXUS for Families and Children

Children under 18 can apply for NEXUS, but both parents or legal guardians must consent to the application. The child must also attend the interview in person. At land border crossings, children with NEXUS cards can use the NEXUS lane along with their NEXUS-member parents. However, if one parent does not have NEXUS, the family will typically need to use the regular lane. Planning ahead and applying for the whole family at the same time can help ensure everyone benefits from the program.

NEXUS vs. Other Trusted Traveller Programs

If you are deciding between NEXUS and other programs such as Global Entry, consider your travel patterns. NEXUS costs $50 USD for five years, while Global Entry costs $100 USD for the same period. NEXUS covers both Canada-US land borders and provides TSA PreCheck and Global Entry kiosk access. Global Entry, on the other hand, is primarily designed for air travellers arriving in the US from international destinations and does not provide access to NEXUS lanes at land borders. For most people living in Canada who travel to the US, NEXUS is the better value. For more settlement information, explore our guide to settlement services for newcomers.

Final Thoughts on the NEXUS Program

The NEXUS trusted traveller program is one of the most valuable tools available to frequent cross-border travellers between Canada and the United States. For just $50 USD over five years, you gain access to expedited processing at land borders, airports, and marine ports of entry. The application process requires careful preparation and patience, but the long-term benefits are substantial. Whether you are a newcomer to Canada building a life near the US border, a business traveller, or someone who regularly visits family across the border, NEXUS can save you countless hours and reduce the stress of cross-border travel.

WelcomeAide is here to help you navigate every aspect of your Canadian immigration journey. Use our AI Newcomer Navigator for instant, personalized guidance on trusted traveller programs and border crossing. Explore our blog for more immigration guides and newcomer resources, learn about our mission, or discover how to get involved in supporting newcomer communities across Canada.