The Canada Nexus Card is a highly valued document that allows you to cross the border between Canada and the United States easily and fast. Having a Nexus Card can save a lot of time and money if you need to go back and forth between Canada and the US. In this post, we will demonstrate how to apply for, renew, or replace a Canada Nexus Card with easy-to-understand instructions. All the things you are curious about the Nexus card will be talked about here. Keep scanning if you’re eager to make your border-crossing easier and faster!

What Is Nexus Card

Nexus card is issued to help speed up border crossings between Canada and the United States for low-risk, pre-approved passengers. When you travel back and forth between the United States and Canada, the Nexus card plays the role of a passport.

When you arrive in either nation as a Nexus member, you avoid the main queue of travelers and enter a unique security/customs line. These queues are usually substantially shorter, and the process is much faster. In addition, the Nexus card also provides the benefits of Global Entry at no extra cost. Nexus members get access to Global Entry kiosks and TSA PreCheck while entering the United States.

Certifications to Apply for Nexus Card

A Canada Nexus Card can benefit a lot if you travel between the US and Canada frequently. However, not anyone has the certification to apply for a Canada Nexus Card. To successfully obtain the Nexus Card, you have to meet the following conditions.

Fundamental Eligibility

You must be a citizen of Canada or the United States of America and a resident of either nation; non-resident citizens cannot obtain NEXUS Cards. 

Or you must be a permanent resident of Canada or the United States of America and have lived in the country where you are a permanent resident for at least three years.

Additional certifications

  1. You must be “admissible” to both the US and Canada under current immigration standards.
  2. you must never have been convicted of a crime (an indictable offense in Canada or a felony in the US), and you must have never been deported.
  3. You have never broken Canadian or US customs restrictions.
  4. You must fill out the application truthfully and accurately – omissions may result in a refusal.
  5. You need to provide other required documents.

image resource: nexus-card.ca

Canadian Nexus Card Requirements

Proof of citizenship or permanent status, as well as proof of residency, are required. In addition, you must also give your work or study permit if you are working or studying in Canada or the United States. The documents mentioned below can prove your citizenship and residence.

1.  Proof of Citizenship and legal status:

  • Birth certificate, valid passport, and photo ID
  • Certificate or card of Canadian citizenship
  • Indian Status Certificate (Canada)
  • Certificate of naturalization (U.S.) citizenship certificate
  • US border crossing card
  • Landing Document (permanent residency in Canada) or valid permanent resident card

2.  Proof of residence:

  • A valid driver’s license.
  • A provincial identity card.
  • A federal identification card.
  • Any other document with a current address, such as a utility bill or a bank statement.

3.  Proof of temporary residence

  • A valid visitor visa to either the United States (B2 visa or other type) or Canada (Temporary Resident Visa).
  • A work permit for either Canada or the United States.
  • A study permit for either Canada or the United States.

How to Apply for a Canada Nexus Card

If you find that you are eligible to apply for the Canada Nexus Card, you can start preparing to apply for a Nexus Card.

Step 1. You need to collect the required documents, like proof of your Canadian or US citizenship, residence, etc.

Step 2. Review privacy statements of the United States Privacy Act statement and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation privacy statementsand and review terms and conditions.

Step 3. You need to fill out the Canada Nexus Card application form and submit your application online. Through the Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) System, your information will be sent to both US Customs Border Protection and the CBSA.

Step 4. Pay for the processing fee ($50 that cannot be refunded).

pay processing fee

Step 5. If your application is passed, you need to appiont an in-person interview on enrolment center and receive an interview by a CBSA or US Customs and Border Protection officer. For applicants under 18 years old, they need to participate in the interview with their parents or guardians.

If all the steps go smoothly, you can be a member of Nexus and obtain the Nexus card. The whole process may take about 30 days.

How to Renew or Replace a Canada Nexus Card

The validity of a Canada Nexus Card is 5 years. If your Nexus Card is expired, you need to perform the Nexus Card renewal. In addition, if your card is lost or stolen, you have to apply for replacing a new Canada Nexus Card. Check the following critical information to learn how to renew or replace a Canada Nexus Card.

Canada Nexus Card renewal:

CBP and CBSA are requesting that NEXUS members begin their renewal applications 364 days before their membership expiration date. To keep his or her NEXUS membership, he or she must:

Submit an application and go through the registration process; meet the eligibility requirements; be admissible in Canada and the United States; and both countries pass risk assessments.

To renew your Nexus card online, a member should go to the Trusted Travelers Programs (TTP) website. Submit your application form and realted documents. Then pay for the renewal fee (US$50) and wait for the NEXUS Card renewal process (about 30 business days). You have to note that you must provide the same information that you did previously. If nothing has changed, you will most likely not be required to attend the interview and will be authorized in less time than it usually takes to get conditionally granted for a first-time application.

Canada Nexus Card replacement

If your NEXUS membership card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must seek a replacement using your Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) System account. A replacement card will be issued for a price of USD 25. Before your new card is granted, you may need to attend an interview with the related officers as well.

How Much Does a Nexus Card Cost?

A $50 (USD) non-refundable application processing fee is required. For candidates under the age of 18, there is no cost. The following methods of payment are accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diner’s Club, or JCB credit card. Or you can directly transfer from a bank account (only US banks supported).

Concusion

By following the above steps, you can effortlessly apply or renew your Nexus Card. To successfully obtain a Nexus Card, you’d better check the required certifications and requirements carefully before the application. And make sure you have prepared all critical documents.

By Dolores Xiao

I am a content creator and marketer with over 5 years of professional writing experience. I hold a bachelor's degree in communications and have a natural curiosity about technology, as evidenced by my technology blog. As an avid traveler, I draw upon adventures in over 10 countries to inject unique cultural perspectives into my articles and social media campaigns. I thrive on developing engaging content that informs and inspires audiences.