NEXUS (frequent traveler program)

NEXUS (formerly frequent traveler program and currently part of Trusted Traveler Program) is a joint Canada–United States program designed to let pre-approved, low-risk travelers cross the Canada–U.S. border quickly. Members of the program can avoid long waits at border entry points by using self-serve kiosks at airports, reserved lanes at land crossings, or by phoning border officials when entering by water. The program is operated by the Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. A NEXUS membership card is a valid document under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

To qualify for the program, an applicant must be a citizen of Canada or the United States, or a permanent resident. Previously, there was a requirement to have resided in either country for three years, but this has since been removed to allow Canadian and American citizens living abroad and those who have recently returned to apply for NEXUS. Permanent residents of the United States or Canada must reside in their respective country for three years before applying for NEXUS membership. Applicants must also be legally admissible to both nations, must have complied with immigration and customs regulations during previous travel, and must also have a criminal history check. Additionally, if the applicant is under 18, both parents must provide their written consent.

NEXUS applications can be submitted online via the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website or a paper application, processed by the Canada Border Services Agency. The application fee is $50 USD or CAD, which is waived for applicants under the age of 18.

Applicants are screened for citizenship and immigration status, checked for criminal history and positive matches on U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), United Nations, and Interpol terrorism and no-fly list databases and United Kingdom Police National Computer. Applicants who pass the initial screening are interviewed in person by agents of both U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Canada Border Services Agency (typically one right after the other). After approval members are mailed a RFID-enabled NEXUS card, valid for five years from the applicant's birthday following card issuance. Renewal typically takes place six months prior to expiration, and members may be required to attend another interview to verify that they still qualify for the program.

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