NEXUS Highway program - Frequently asked questions

1. What is NEXUS?
2. What are the benefits of NEXUS?
3. Who can apply for NEXUS?
4. How does the new Cross-Border Currency Reporting Legislation affect me?
5. Where is NEXUS being offered?
6. When are the NEXUS lanes open?
7. Is there a fee involved?
8. How do I apply for NEXUS?
9. Can I apply on-line?
10. Where do I send my completed application form?
11. What is the purpose of the NEXUS enrolment centre?
12. Where are the NEXUS enrolment centres located?
13. When are the enrolment centres open?
14. What is a fingerprint biometric?
15. How long will it take to process my application?
16. How do I notify the CBSA of any changes to my personal information (for example, change of address)?
17. Is there a cost to have a replacement NEXUS card issued?
18. Does everyone in the vehicle require a NEXUS card, including children?
19. If I have a NEXUS card, do I also need to get an I-68 for entering the United States by boat?
20. Why is new equipment being installed for the NEXUS Highway program?
21. Where is the new technology available?
22. Will I experience delays in the NEXUS lanes during the installation of the new equipment?

1. What is NEXUS?

The NEXUS Program is designed to simplify border crossings for pre approved, low risk travellers. It is a joint program implemented by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), formerly known as the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA), Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), and United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

2. What are the benefits of NEXUS?

As a NEXUS participant, you will be able to use dedicated lanes at the border and you will not normally be subject to the usual customs and immigration questioning. This will help reduce traffic congestion and delays.

NEXUS also allows Canadian and American customs and immigration authorities to concentrate their efforts on potentially higher-risk travellers and goods, thereby upholding security and protection standards at the border.

3. Who can apply for NEXUS?

Citizens and permanent residents of Canada or the United States can apply. As well, business or government officials who can demonstrate a need to use the NEXUS lanes and have proper documentation under the special visa class category are eligible.

4. How does the new Cross-Border Currency Reporting Legislation affect me?

NEXUS members must report in person to a Canadian Customs officer, via the regular lane, when importing or exporting currency and monetary instruments of a value equal to or greater than CAN$10,000. For more information on this requirement, refer to Cross Border Currency Reporting.

5. Where is NEXUS being offered?

NEXUS is now offered at the following border crossings:

British Columbia/Washington

• Pacific Highway/Blaine
• Douglas/Peace Arch
• Boundary Bay/Point Roberts

Southern Ontario/Michigan/New York

• The Bluewater Bridge in Sarnia/Port Huron
• The Ambassador Bridge in Windsor/Detroit
• The Peace Bridge in Fort Erie/Buffalo
• The International Tunnel in Windsor/Detroit
• The Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, Ontario/Niagara Falls, New York
• The Whirlpool Bridge in Niagara Falls, Ontario/Niagara Falls, New York

Quebec/New York/Vermont

• Lacolle, Quebec/Champlain, New York
• St. Armand-Philipsburg, Quebec/Highgate Springs, Vermont

6. When are the NEXUS lanes open?

7. Is there a fee involved?

Yes. The non-refundable processing fee is CAN$80 or US$50 for applicants who are 18 years of age and older, and is paid once every five years. You can pay by certified cheque, international money order, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or AMEX). Since the CBSA processes all payments for NEXUS on behalf of the other agencies, all credit card payments are processed in Canadian funds. The amount may fluctuate for credit card payments being made in American dollars, depending on the exchange rate.

8. How do I apply for NEXUS?

You can download an application form from the NEXUS Web site or get one at your local customs or immigration office. Simply complete the form and mail it with your payment and photocopies of your original travel documents (such as your birth certificate or passport) to the address on the form.

9. Can I apply on-line?

No, you cannot submit your application electronically. However, you can complete the application form on-line, print it, and mail it with your payment information. Please include photocopies of your travel documents, and make sure you sign your application before you mail it.

10. Where do I send my completed application form?

If your application is for Ontario / Michigan-New York, send it to the Customs Processing Centre at the following address:

P.O. Box 126
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T1
Canada

If your application is for British Columbia / Washington or Alberta / Montana, send it to the Customs Processing Centre at the following address:

#28-176^th Street
Surrey, BC V3S 9R9
Canada

If your application is for Quebec / New York-Vermont, send it to the Customs Processing Centre at the following address:

400 Place Youville
Montréal, QC H2Y 2C2
Canada

Before your application is approved, you will be subject to security checks by the Canadian and U.S. customs and immigration agencies. Once you pass the security screening process, you will be invited for an interview at the enrolment centre where we will verify documents and take a fingerprint biometric and photograph. You will then be provided with a NEXUS card and an explanation of the features of this program.

11. What is the purpose of the NEXUS enrolment centre?

At the NEXUS enrolment centre, applicants are invited to present themselves once background security checks have been performed by both Canada and the United States. During this final stage of processing, we will:

• review the information provided on the application form to ensure it is still valid;
• review original documents such as proof of citizenship, residency, employment authorizations, and/or visas;
• take a fingerprint biometric;
• take your photo and give you a NEXUS identification card; and
• explain client roles and responsibilities in the NEXUS Program.

12. Where are the NEXUS enrolment centres located?

Currently, there are five NEXUS enrolment centres located at the border:

• Blaine, Washington
• Fort Erie, Ontario
• Detroit, Michigan
• Port Huron, Michigan
• Champlain, New York

There are also two Urban Enrolment Centres:

• 333 Dunsmuir Street, 1st floor
  Vancouver, B.C. 
• King County International Airport
  7277 Perimeter Road, Room 116,
  Seattle, Washington

13. When are the enrolment centres open?

14. What is a fingerprint biometric?

This is an electronic print of your two index fingers that is taken at the enrolment centre following your interview. The fingerprint biometric is verified against USINS IDENT database for any American immigration violations.

15. How long will it take to process my application?

The CBSA processes applications on a first-come-first-serve basis at all sites. It takes approximately six weeks to process each application. However, in sites where heavier volumes of applications are being received, it may take longer.

16. How do I notify the CBSA of any changes to my personal information (for example, change of address)?

You must visit the NEXUS enrolment centre in your area. No appointment is necessary.

17. Is there a cost to have a replacement NEXUS card issued?

No. Simply visit the nearest enrolment centre to arrange to have another card issued.

18. Does everyone in the vehicle require a NEXUS card, including children?

Yes. If you are using the NEXUS lane, everyone travelling in your vehicle, including children, must be a participant in the NEXUS program. However, there is no application fee for children under the age of 18.

19. If I have a NEXUS card, do I also need to get an I-68 for entering the United States by boat?

No.

20. Why is new equipment being installed for the NEXUS Highway program?

We are upgrading the equipment we use to verify your membership in the NEXUS Highway program when you enter Canada. This new equipment better enables us to clear pre-screened low-risk travellers.

21. Where is the new technology available?

The new technology is now available at the following Canada/United States border crossings:

British Columbia/Washington

• Pacific Highway/Blaine
• Boundary Bay/Point Roberts

Southern Ontario/Michigan/New York

• The Blue Water Bridge in Sarnia/Port Huron
• The Ambassador Bridge in Windsor/Detroit
• The International Tunnel in Windsor/Detroit
• The Whirlpool Bridge in Niagara Falls, Ontario/Niagara Falls, New York
• The Peace Bridge in Fort Erie/Buffalo

Implementation at the remaining NEXUS sites will occur in 2005.

22. Will I experience delays in the NEXUS lanes during the installation of the new equipment?

During this period, you may notice construction in and around the NEXUS lane and you may experience some delay and disruption in the normal traffic pattern. These delays are temporary and we have planned for the least amount of disruption possible. For updates on the status of the NEXUS lanes, visit this Web site regularly.