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 United States - Canada NEXUS Program
The NEXUS alternative inspection program allows pre-screened, low-risk travelers to be processed with little or no delay by United States and Canadian border officials. Approved applicants are issued a photo-identification/proximity card. Participants cross the border in a dedicated lane where they present their NEXUS card and make a declaration. They are then released, unless chosen for a selective or random secondary referral.The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) are cooperating in this venture to simplify border crossings for pre-approved, low-risk travelers.Who Qualifies For NEXUS?
Individuals may qualify to participate in NEXUS if they are a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or Canada, residing in either country, or if they are a citizen of a country other than Canada or the U.S. who plan to temporarily reside lawfully in Canada or the U.S. for the term of their NEXUS membership and who pass an Interpol criminal history check.However, individuals may not qualify if they:
- Are inadmissible to the United States or Canada under applicable immigration laws;
- Provide false or incomplete information on their application;
- Have been convicted of a criminal offense in any country for which they have not received a pardon;
- Have been found in violation of customs or immigration law;
- Will not lawfully reside in either Canada or the United States for the term of their NEXUS membership; or
- Fail to meet other requirements of the NEXUS program.
To participate, both the United States and Canada must approve an individual's application. Denial of an application by either country will keep an individual from participating in the NEXUS program.What Are The Benefits Of NEXUS?
Individuals approved to participate in NEXUS receive an identification card to use at the border that allows them to:
- Use NEXUS-dedicated lanes in the United States and Canada; and
- Cross the border with a minimum of customs and immigration questioning.
Nexus is a harmonized program and applicants need to complete only a single application form. This form can be mailed or faxed. Qualified applicants are required to come to a NEXUS Enrollment Center only once, for an interview and issuance of a photo-identification card.NEXUS allows United States and Canadian border agencies to concentrate their efforts on potentially higher-risk travelers and goods, which helps to ensure the security and integrity of our borders.Where Is NEXUS Operational?
| Enrollment Centers |
Crossings |
| Blaine, WA |
Peace Arch |
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Pacific Highway |
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Point Roberts |
| Buffalo, NY |
Peace Bridge |
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Rainbow Bridge |
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Whirlpool Bridge (NEXUS-only) |
| Detroit, MI |
Ambassador Bridge |
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Windsor/Detroit Tunnel |
| Port Huron, MI |
Blue Water Bridge |
| Champlain, NY |
Champlain |
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Highgate Springs (VT) |
What Are The Next Steps For NEXUS?
The NEXUS Enrollment Center at Sweetgrass Montana is processing applications for the crossing at Sweetgrass. The NEXUS lane at Sweetgrass will open when a sufficient number of applicants have been enrolled.The NEXUS lane scheduled for Lewiston/Queenston New York will open when bridge and road construction is completed on both sides of the border. There is no projected opening date for this site.No further expansion is planned at present for 2004, but the NEXUS program continues to survey and evaluate potential sites.How Do I Apply?
Application forms are available on the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) website (see related links on this page). NEXUS is a bi-national program. All applications are sent to a Canadian Customs Processing Center (CPC). Please see the CBSA website for a list of regional CPCs. Payment must be made at the time of application. The processing fee for a five-year membership is $50 US or $80 Canadian. Applicants who pay with a U.S. credit card may pay more or less than $50 US, depending on the exchange rate. U.S. dollar payments may also be sent by international money order.Please consult the Canada Border Services Agency website for detailed information and application forms.NEXUS toll-free information (U.S and Canada)
» 1-866-NEXUS 26 (1-866-639-8726)Canada Border Services Website
» http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel/nexus/menu-e.html
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Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) ) |
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