If you frequently travel between the US and Canada, consider getting a NEXUS Card. Granted to low-risk travelers, you get access to fast-track kiosks and eGates at land, air, and sea crossings. Skip the long queues and just tap your NEXUS Card to verify you are a pre-approved traveler, and you’re on your way.
As part of the US’s broader Trusted Traveler Programs, NEXUS members automatically get TSA PreCheck® for faster security at US airports and expedited Global Entry when entering the US from international destinations.
If that all sounds good, you’re probably wondering how you get one. This guide covers the benefits of a NEXUS Card, eligibility criteria, costs, how to apply, and how to use the card once you have it. While you do need to attend in-person interviews as part of the process, the NEXUS Card is well worth it if you regularly cross the US-Canada border.
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What is a NEXUS Card?
A NEXUS Card is a pre-approved travel pass for low-risk travelers that speeds up border crossing between the US and Canada at designated land, air, and sea ports. You get access to fast-track kiosks and eGates reserved for pre-screened travelers. Simply tap or scan your card to verify your status, and you can cross in just a few minutes instead of waiting in long lines.
The card costs $120 USD, is valid for five years, and can be renewed.
The program is operated jointly by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). NEXUS is part of the US’s broader Trusted Traveler Programs, so when you get your card, you also automatically get access to TSA PreCheck® and Global Entry benefits. For comparison, Global Entry alone costs $120 USD for five years, and TSA PreCheck® costs $76.75 USD for five years, so with NEXUS, you get both at no additional cost.
Benefits of a NEXUS Card
- Faster border crossings between the US and Canada
- TSA PreCheck® and Global Entry benefits included for no extra charge
- Use TSA PreCheck® lines at over 200 participating US airports
- No need to remove your shoes, belt, or light outerwear for airport security
- Leave laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in your carry-on luggage
- Expedited Global Entry when entering the US from eligible international airports
Who is eligible for a NEXUS Card?
The NEXUS Card is designed for US and Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are considered low-risk travelers. In most cases, applicants must have been resident in the US or Canada for at least three years before applying.
Other eligible travelers include Mexican nationals who are members of the Viajero Confiable or SENTRI Trusted Traveler Program.
Minors under 18 can apply with parental consent, even if their parents aren’t NEXUS members. Applications for children are free of charge.
To qualify as a low-risk traveler, both US and Canadian authorities assess your character. This includes checking for criminal convictions, outstanding warrants, ongoing law enforcement investigations, or any past violations of customs, immigration, or agricultural laws. Meeting these criteria ensures that you can fully benefit from the NEXUS Card’s fast-track border privileges.
How to apply for a NEXUS Card: A simple 4-step guide
Applying for a NEXUS Card is affordable and relatively simple. However, applicants need to attend one or two in-person interviews (depending on location) with both the US and Canadian border authorities. New Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) options are helping streamline the process, but it’s still something worth planning for in advance.
Make the process as simple as possible by following this easy four-step guide.
Step 1: Complete the online application
Start by registering on the US Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website. To create an account, provide an email address to receive a verification link and create a secure 12-character password. A phone number is also required for two-factor authentication, as you’ll receive security codes via text.
Once your account is set up, enter your personal details. These should exactly match the information on your passport or permanent residency card.
You’ll then see a list of Trusted Traveler Programs. Select NEXUS and fill out the application form. It will include questions about your address and travel history, and a criminal history declaration.
After submitting the form, you’ll be prompted to pay the non-refundable $120 USD application fee using an accepted payment card.
Step 2: Wait for conditional approval
After submissions, your application will be reviewed by the US and Canadian authorities. This typically involves background checks and a review of your travel history.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will receive conditional approval. This usually takes two to four weeks, but in some cases, it can take up to three months. You’ll be notified by email, or you can check the status of your application through your TTP dashboard.
Step 3: Schedule and attend your interviews
Once conditionally approved, you’ll attend in-person interviews with border authorities in the US and Canada to receive final approval. You can schedule these appointments online at NEXUS enrollment centers in the United States and Canada. Depending on the location, wait times for appointments can be several months.
New Enrollment on Arrival options allow some applicants to complete interviews while traveling through airports with enrollment centers. In this case, you can complete one interview at your departure airport and the other at your arrival airport.
At US airports, interviews are generally conducted on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is key. At Canadian airports, appointments should still be booked in advance to align with your travel plans.
For your interview, bring the following documents:
- A valid passport (or all passports if you hold more than one)
- Proof of residency, such as a driver’s license, mortgage statement, rental agreement, or utility bill
- Proof of permanent residence, if applicable
Your photo and biometrics will be collected during the interview.
Step 4: Final verification
Final approval is granted after you complete your interview(s). You’ll be notified by email, and you can track your status in your TTP dashboard.
Your NEXUS Card will be mailed to you, but it won’t be active right away. To activate it, log in to the TTP website and follow the instructions using the PASSID number printed on the back of the card.
If your card is lost, damaged, or stolen, you can request a replacement through the TTP website for a $25 USD fee. You can also renew your card before its expiration period for $120 USD, extending it for another five years.
Overall, applying for a NEXUS Card is a manageable process. From application to approval, it usually takes around three months, depending on interview availability and location.
How to use your NEXUS Card
Once you receive your NEXUS Card, how you use it depends on how you’re crossing the US-Canada border.
When arriving by air, carry both your NEXUS Card and a valid passport. You can use self-service kiosks and eGates at major airports in Canada or Global Entry kiosks at participating US airports. At the kiosk, you’ll scan your NEXUS Card, verify your identity, and have your photo taken. You’ll receive a receipt confirming your entry. If you’re carrying items to declare, you’ll still have to speak to a border control officer before leaving the airport.
There are dedicated NEXUS vehicle lanes at multiple land border crossings in both directions. Present or tap your card as instructed. In some cases, a border officer may still ask you to stop your vehicle for visual inspection.
When traveling by sea, NEXUS members can report their arrival through designated marine reporting centers when entering the US or Canada by boat.
Travel smarter with NEXUS
If you frequently cross the US-Canadian border, a NEXUS Card can save you a lot of time, whether you’re traveling by land, air, or sea. Members use dedicated lanes, fast-track kiosks, and eGates to move through border checks more quickly. In many cases, you simply tap or scan your card to confirm you’re a pre-approved, low-risk traveler and continue your journey.
NEXUS also offers great value for money. As part of the US Trusted Traveler Programs, your membership automatically includes access to Global Entry for faster re-entry from international destinations and TSA PreCheck® for quicker airport security screening at no extra cost.
The application process is straightforward. You complete an online application, attend short interviews with US and Canadian border authorities, and wait for final approval. With new Enrollment on Arrival options, scheduling interviews is becoming even more convenient. If you travel between the US and Canada regularly, applying for a NEXUS Card is a simple way to make every trip faster and less stressful.
FAQs
How long is a NEXUS card valid?
A NEXUS Card is valid for five years. Most members can renew online for another five years, often without needing to attend another in-person interview.
Can I use my NEXUS card instead of a passport?
When traveling between the US and Canada via road and sea, you can use your NEXUS Card without your passport. For air travel, you’ll still have to carry a valid passport, even when using NEXUS kiosks or eGates.
What happens if I lose my NEXUS card?
If your NEXUS Card is lost or stolen, report it immediately through your Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) account. You can request a replacement card online for a $25 USD fee.
How long does it take to get approved for NEXUS?
Approval times vary, mainly depending on interview availability at nearby enrollment centers. If you schedule interviews as soon as possible, the full process typically takes around three months.
Is NEXUS better than Global Entry?
For frequent US-Canada travelers, yes. A NEXUS Card includes Global Entry and TSA PreCheck® at no extra cost, plus dedicated lanes for faster crossings.