Visa Lawyer Blog
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced its new, online NEXUS application system on August 16, 2007. The use of the NEXUS card is an alternative to a passport for travel between the US and Canada. According to the CBP, “[t]he system helps [its] officers accomplish their dual mission of securing the borders while facilitating trade and travel.”
NEXUS is designed to expedite the border clearance process for low-risk, pre-approved travellers into Canada and the United States.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are cooperating in this joint venture to simplify border crossings for members, while enhancing security.
Eligibility
You may qualify to participate in NEXUS if you are a citizen or permanent resident of Canada or the U.S. and have lived in one of these countries continuously for the last three years.
You may not qualify if you:
are inadmissible to Canada or the United States under applicable immigration laws;
provide false or incomplete information on your application;
have been convicted of a criminal offence, in any country, for which you have not received a pardon (for U.S. background checks you may be questioned about full criminal history, including arrests and pardons, which may exclude you from NEXUS);
have been found in violation of customs or immigration law; or
fail to meet other requirements of NEXUS.
Both countries must approve your application for you to become a member of NEXUS. If you do not meet any of the requirements, we will deny your application.
Children
Children under the age of 18 will need the consent of a parent or legal guardian to enrol in NEXUS. At the interview, children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by at least one custodial parent or guardian, and we will need documentary evidence of custody with no restrictions on removal from the custodial jurisdiction. The documents you present to the officer at the NEXUS enrolment centre have to establish that the adult or adults are the parents or legal guardians.
Online application
You can apply online to NEXUS using the Global Online Enrollment System (GOES) that is operated by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (U.S. CBP).
During the application process some of the information requested will be designated as optional. Your eligibility to participate in NEXUS will not be affected by whether you provide the optional information.