Full guide to applying for the NEXUS card, a joint U.S.-Canada trusted traveler program that provides expedited processing at land, air, and marine ports of entry between the United States and Canada.
Confirm citizenship or permanent residency in the United States or Canada
Both U.S. citizens/LPRs and Canadian citizens/permanent residents are eligible. Dual citizens of the U.S. and Canada are also eligible and can apply with either country's passport.
Verify no criminal convictions or customs/immigration violations
Both U.S. CBP and Canada CBSA review your criminal history. A single DUI conviction in Canada is a criminal offense and will result in denial. Pardoned offenses may require additional documentation.
Confirm admissibility to both the United States and Canada
You must be admissible to both countries. If you have ever been refused entry to either country or have an outstanding warrant, you will be denied. Check your admissibility status before applying.
Review the NEXUS program terms and conditions
NEXUS members agree to random compliance inspections and must follow all program rules. Misuse, such as allowing non-members to accompany you in NEXUS lanes, results in permanent revocation.
Application Submission
Create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account at ttp.cbp.dhs.gov
The TTP portal is shared with Global Entry, SENTRI, and FAST. If you already have a TTP account from another program, log in with the same credentials and start a new NEXUS application.
Complete the NEXUS application with personal, travel, and employment details
The application requires your passport number, 5-year address history, 5-year employment history, and all countries visited in the past 5 years. Canadian applicants also need their PR card number if applicable.
Enter passport and citizenship information
Provide 5-year residential address history
List all countries visited in the past 5 years
Pay the $50 non-refundable application fee
At $50 for 5 years, NEXUS is the cheapest trusted traveler program — half the price of Global Entry ($100) and less than TSA PreCheck ($78). The fee is charged immediately upon submission.
Background Review and Conditional Approval
Wait for joint U.S. CBP and Canada CBSA background review
Both agencies independently review your application. Processing times range from 2 weeks to 6 months depending on volume and complexity. Canadian applicants often experience longer waits due to CBSA processing backlogs.
Receive conditional approval notification via email
Conditional approval means both CBP and CBSA have cleared your background check. You have 365 days from conditional approval to schedule and complete your interview.
Respond to any requests for additional information or documents
Either agency may request additional documentation such as court records, travel documents, or proof of residency. Failure to respond within 30 days typically results in application denial.
Interview at Enrollment Center
Schedule an interview at a NEXUS enrollment center
There are 21 NEXUS enrollment centers located at or near U.S.-Canada border crossings. Popular locations like Peace Bridge (Buffalo) and Pacific Highway (Blaine, WA) book up 2-3 months in advance.
Gather required documents for the interview
Bring your valid passport from the country of citizenship, a second form of government-issued photo ID, and proof of residency (utility bill or bank statement dated within 90 days).
Valid passport
Second government-issued photo ID
Proof of current address (utility bill, bank statement)
Permanent resident card (if not a citizen)
Complete the interview with both CBP and CBSA officers
The interview involves officers from both countries at the same location. Expect questions about your travel patterns, employment, and reasons for applying. The visit takes 20-30 minutes total including biometrics.
Provide fingerprints and iris scan during the enrollment
NEXUS uses iris recognition technology in addition to fingerprints. The iris scan enables hands-free processing at NEXUS kiosks in Canadian airports. Both biometric captures are painless and take under 2 minutes.
Receiving and Using Your NEXUS Card
Receive your NEXUS card by mail within 2-4 weeks of interview approval
The NEXUS card is an RFID-enabled photo ID card. It arrives in a plain envelope from CBP. Activate it by crossing the border and using it at a NEXUS lane within 12 months of issuance.
Use dedicated NEXUS lanes at land border crossings
NEXUS lanes are available at all major U.S.-Canada land crossings. Hold your card near the RFID reader on approach — the system reads it from inside your vehicle. All vehicle occupants must be NEXUS members.
Use NEXUS kiosks at Canadian airports and Global Entry kiosks at U.S. airports
NEXUS includes Global Entry benefits when entering the U.S. and TSA PreCheck for domestic U.S. flights. At Canadian airports, use the iris-scan NEXUS kiosks to skip the primary inspection line.
Use NEXUS marine telephone reporting for boat crossings
NEXUS members crossing by private boat between the U.S. and Canada can call a designated phone number to report their arrival instead of visiting an inspection station. Registration for marine mode is separate.
Renewal and Maintenance
Submit renewal application up to 1 year before expiration
Renewal costs $50 for another 5 years and is submitted through the TTP portal. Most renewals are approved without an interview, though either agency may require one.
Report any changes to personal information within 30 days
Update your TTP profile for name changes, new passport numbers, address changes, or changes in criminal history. Failure to report changes can result in membership suspension or revocation.
Replace a lost or stolen NEXUS card through the TTP portal
Report the loss immediately through TTP to prevent misuse. A replacement card costs $25 and arrives within 2-3 weeks. You cannot use NEXUS lanes or kiosks until the replacement arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between NEXUS, Global Entry, and TSA PreCheck?
NEXUS ($50/5 years) is the most cost-effective program, offering all the benefits of Global Entry (expedited US customs) and TSA PreCheck (expedited airport security) plus expedited Canadian border crossings by land, sea, and air. Global Entry ($120/5 years) covers US customs and TSA PreCheck but not Canadian expedited processing. TSA PreCheck ($78/5 years) only covers airport security screening. NEXUS requires approval from both US CBP and Canadian CBSA.
Who is eligible for a NEXUS card?
NEXUS is open to citizens and permanent residents of both the United States and Canada. Third-country nationals who are lawful permanent residents of either country may also apply. Both US CBP and Canadian CBSA must approve your application, so criminal history, customs violations, or immigration issues in either country can result in denial. Applicants must not have been convicted of a criminal offense in any country.
How long does NEXUS processing take?
After submitting the online application, conditional approval from both US CBP and Canadian CBSA typically takes 3-8 weeks. You then need to complete an in-person interview at a NEXUS enrollment center, which is located at select US-Canada land border crossings and some airports. Wait times for interview appointments can range from a few weeks to several months depending on the location. The entire process from application to card in hand averages 3-6 months.
Can I use NEXUS lanes if I am traveling with non-NEXUS passengers?
At land border crossings, all occupants of the vehicle must be NEXUS members to use the NEXUS lane. At airports, only the NEXUS cardholder benefits from expedited kiosk processing; non-member travel companions must use the regular immigration lines. For TSA PreCheck benefits, only the enrolled member receives PreCheck on their boarding pass. Children under 18 who are not NEXUS members must accompany a parent through regular processing lines.