What's a NEXUS Card: Everything You Need to Know

Wondering what a NEXUS card is and how it can improve your travels between Canada and the US?

We’ve got you covered.

In this article, we compiled everything you need to know about the NEXUS program, including the eligibility criteria, the application process, and, most importantly, how the card can save you time during frequent trips.

Check out other travel-related articles:

Pressed for Time? Here’s What You Need to Know about the Nexus Program

NEXUS membership allows you to use dedicated lines for faster border control checks.
NEXUS members can access TSA PreCheck®, which expedites screening at select security checkpoints.
You can use your card at select Canadian airports and land border crossings.
The card costs $50.
NEXUS cards are valid for five years.
Minors under 18 can also participate in the program (free of charge) if their parents or legal guardians consent.
Application processing times can take up to 20 months.

Need more details?

Read on.

What’s a Nexus Card?

The NEXUS pass is a Trusted Traveler Program for frequent travelers between the US and Canada. It speeds up border crossings by allowing holders to use special, shorter lines.

The NEXUS card also serves as an ID and can sometimes replace a passport or permanent resident card when entering Canada or the US.

💡 NEXUS card vs passport—What’s the difference? A NEXUS card is accepted only at land border crossings between the US and Canada and at designated airports with Canadian preclearance locations (both in the US and Canada). A passport, on the other hand, can be used for all international travel.

NEXUS Benefits: Who Should Get It

You don’t need NEXUS to travel between the US and Canada if you have a valid passport.

So, is a NEXUS card worth it? It all depends on how often you travel to the Great White North and how valuable your time is.

NEXUS members can enjoy the following benefits:

Dedicated lanes at select northern border ports.
NEXUS kiosks when entering Canada by air.
Global Entry kiosks when entering the US via Canadian Preclearance airports.
TSA PreCheck® and Global Entry lanes/kiosks in select Canada Preclearance locations (if available).
Faster immigration clearance and processing.
Can replace a passport or permanent resident card for entry into Canada or the US.
Getting a NEXUS card for children (under 18) is free.

NEXUS Eligibility: Who Can Apply

According to the NEXUS card requirements, only three groups can get the pass:

US citizens and lawful permanent residents
Canadian citizens and lawful permanent residents
Members of Mexico’s trusted traveler program (Viajero Confiable)

Additionally, you must be considered a low-risk applicant with a carte blanche in the eyes of the law. In other words, you’ll satisfy NEXUS eligibility rules if you don’t have a criminal record or pending warrants and you’ve never violated the customs and immigration laws of any country.

How to Apply for NEXUS: 4 Steps

Complete the online application on the Trusted Travelers Program (TTP) portal.
Pay the fee.
Once the US Customs and Border Control completes your background check, you’ll receive an email on your TTP account confirming you’re “conditionally approved.”
Book an interview appointment at a NEXUS enrollment center.

We suggest scheduling your appointment as soon as you get the email notification—NEXUS interview locations are limited and may be booked months in advance.

Pro tip: Book an interview in a smaller city, as free spots might be available earlier there.

After applying, remember to activate your NEXUS card through the Trusted Traveler Program portal (TTP).

How long does it take to get NEXUS?

Getting your border pass card can be time-consuming. As of 2024, NEXUS processing times are 18–20 months. It’s best to track the NEXUS application status in your Trusted Traveler Program account, as waiting times can vary depending on the current demand.

Pro tip: Applying for a passport might be a better option if you’re in a rush. It usually takes up to eight weeks to get one, or less if you apply for an expedited passport. A US-issued passport is valid for land and air travel between the US and Canada.

How much does a NEXUS card cost?

The application fee is $50 (for adults and minors) and is non-refundable.

However, it’s possible to get it for free. Some travel credit card providers rebate your NEXUS fee if you pay with their card.

Here are some examples:

Six travel credit cards that reimburse the nexus membership fee

How long does NEXUS last?

The NEXUS card is valid for five years, and you can renew it even a year before its expiration date. To renew your NEXUS card, you’ll have to go through the same process as first-time applicants and pay a $50 fee. Sometimes, you might need to attend an interview at an enrollment center.

How to Use a NEXUS Card at a Land Border or Airport

Using a NEXUS pass at border crossings is usually hassle-free and requires little to no human interaction. Depending on your entry point, you’ll need to follow the steps described below.

At a land border

Whether you’re entering Canada or the US, you must:

Go to a designated NEXUS lane.
Hold the card in front of the card reader.
Go to the inspection booth or the CBSA office (if you use a NEXUS eGate when entering Canada) for a quick visual inspection.
Cross the border unless an officer directs you to the inspection area.

At an airport (entering Canada)

When entering Canada, follow these steps:

Go to a NEXUS kiosk or eGate and fill out the necessary fields.
Scan your card.
Confirm your identity and personal details, including having your photo taken.
Take a receipt.
Proceed to claim your baggage or declare any goods (if applicable).
Cross the border.

NEXUS lanes are available at nine international airports in Canada, but you can also use your NEXUS pass at the following airports:

Calgary (YYC)
Edmonton (YEG)
Halifax (YHZ)
Montreal (YUL)
Ottawa (YOW)
Toronto (YYZ and YTZ)
Vancouver (YVR)
Winnipeg (YWG)

At an airport (returning to the US)

If you’re coming back to America, do the following:

Find a NEXUS or Global Entry kiosk.
In Canada Preclearance locations, scan your passport, US Lawful Permanent Resident card, or NEXUS card.
Scan your passport or US Lawful Permanent Resident card in any other location.

NEXUS Card vs. Passport vs. Global Entry

Are you still unsure if a NEXUS card is right for you? Let’s compare it to a Global Entry membership and a regular Type “P” passport.

Table comparing global entry vs. nexus vs. passport.

Consider your options and choose what suits your travel needs.

But remember—

You need a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport, to apply for a NEXUS card or Global Entry. If you don’t have a passport yet or yours is about to expire, don’t worry.

You can prepare for the application right away, starting with a passport photo.

Here’s how to use PhotoAiD® to get a passport photo that meets all US Department of State’s photo requirements:

Three steps explaining how to take a passport photo at home with a phone’s camera.

Download our PhotoAiD® for iOS or PhotoAiD® for Android and try it for free, or upload a self-portrait using the button below.

Passport applications can be tricky. Don’t let the process catch you off guard. Read these articles to stay prepared:

FAQ

Is it hard to get a NEXUS card?

The NEXUS card application process isn’t complicated, but there are some steps you can’t skip. For example, you must have a clean record, pay a $50 fee, and wait 18–20 months to get the card.

What’s the difference between a passport card and a NEXUS card?

While both travel IDs let you visit Canada, only a NEXUS card gives you access to dedicated processing lines, speeding up your border crossing. Plus, NEXUS is cheaper at $50.

How does a US citizen get a NEXUS card?

Applying for NEXUS involves four steps. Here’s a quick summary:

1. Fulfill the eligibility criteria.
2. Create an online TTP account and submit your application.
3. Pass a background check.
4. Attend an in-person NEXUS interview.
5. Activate the card.

Can you use a NEXUS card instead of a passport?

Yes, NEXUS is a border crossing card you can use to travel to and from Canada at select Canada Preclearance locations.

Can you use NEXUS for international travel?

Yes, but only to and from Canada. To travel internationally, you’ll need to use a valid passport book.

Does NEXUS include Global Entry?

Yes, NEXUS members can benefit from some Global Entry privileges, such as using Global Entry kiosks/lanes and the TSA PreCheck® (if available). However, unlike NEXUS, you can use Global Entry outside of Canada.

How long is NEXUS good for?

NEXUS cards are valid for five years, both for adults and children under 18.

Sources:

Sylwia Green

Sylwia is a skilled writer with a BA in English Studies and an active SPJ member. For nearly three years now, she’s been writing captivating articles for international companies, turning her lifelong passion into a career.

What’s a NEXUS Card: Everything You Need to Know

Contents

Pressed for Time? Here’s What You Need to Know about the Nexus Program

What’s a Nexus Card?

NEXUS Benefits: Who Should Get It

NEXUS Eligibility: Who Can Apply