Nexus Program

[mr_toast]

This has been asked before, I'm positive, but I've seen conflicting answers everywhere, so I thought I'd ask here for an answer from experience.

So, two questions. First: is the Nexus card a valid, legal replacement for a passport when crossing any border? When I travel through to the USA, I intend to carry another piece of Government ID, like a SIN card, or a birth certificate.

Second: I don't drive, I don't own a boat, and I don't fly. In short, I ride the bus. Now, will I still need a passport for passing bus passenger customs, or will a Nexus card be alright for that as well?

Why do I ask? My passport's up for renewal, and I only travel to the US, so I said, why bother with a passport?

[Beachdown]

The only reason you would get a Nexus card is to speed your way through immigration. If you travel by bus, you're wasting money (and time - it takes quite awhile to process a Nexus application).

You're question should be "why bother" with a Nexus card.

[tkyoshi]

You should still have a valid Passport for use with NEXUS.

If you travel by bus yes it is kind of pointless. But with an expired passport if you were to ever say travel through a nexus lane or have the card scanned you have a very high chance of being sent to secondary because of your expired document.

In your case an enhanced driver's license would probably fit your bill. You can use it to cross the border at land ports of entry only.

[ildara]

More info on Ontario Enhanced Driver's License (EDL):

http://www.forms.ssb.gov.on.ca/mbs/ssb/forms/ssbforms.nsf/GetAttachDocs/023-05009E%7E1/$File/023-05009E-EnhancedDriversLicenceGuide.pdf

http://news.ontario.ca/mto/en/2009/05/about-ontarios-enhanced-drivers-licence.html

http://news.ontario.ca/mto/en/2009/05/how-to-apply-for-an-ontario-enhanced-drivers-licence.html

[CSK'sMom]

Read the actual Nexus site. Yes, the Nexus card is an approved "replacement" for a passport for border crossing into the US. Yes you can cross the border with a Nexus card, even on a bus.

Beechdown is absolutely wrong. Read the Nexus thread here. Applications are being processed very quickly now and the delay in getting interview appt's is virtually gone as well. tkyoshi is wrong as well, with the new Nexus cards a passport is not required to be carried at all. In fact, I got my Nexus card this past summer and I have never held a passport. ;)

I think someone needs to read better... OP said they do NOT drive, that means no drivers license hence no EDL. ;) As for the approved non-driver ID that was supposed to be available when the EDL's were rolled out there is no sign of it yet which is exactly why I got my Nexus card. In fact, there is lots of speculation that it's been scrapped due to low demand for the EDL's. There have been less than 10k issued so far in the province, far less than they expected.

[tkyoshi]

Read the actual Nexus site. Yes, the Nexus card is an approved "replacement" for a passport for border crossing into the US. Yes you can cross the border with a Nexus card, even on a bus.

Beechdown is absolutely wrong. Read the Nexus thread here. Applications are being processed very quickly now and the delay in getting interview appt's is virtually gone as well. tkyoshi is wrong as well, with the new Nexus cards a passport is not required to be carried at all. In fact, I got my Nexus card this past summer and I have never held a passport. ;)

I think someone needs to read better... OP said they do NOT drive, that means no drivers license hence no EDL. ;) As for the approved non-driver ID that was supposed to be available when the EDL's were rolled out there is no sign of it yet which is exactly why I got my Nexus card. In fact, there is lots of speculation that it's been scrapped due to low demand for the EDL's. There have been less than 10k issued so far in the province, far less than they expected.

Well if that is the case then I apologize, there has been quite a few changes to the programs over the years.

It seems they have relaxed the rules a bit, previously you did need to update everything, and your passport number was printed on the card. In addition it was also documented that even though your NEXUS card expired in the future if you did not renew your passport info it would automatically be cancelled or you automatically got sent to secondary. Expired Drivers Licenses previously have also been known to get people sent to secondary.

So the information I gave I guess was correct but not applicable anymore, they don't really send existing members any updates on changes to policy, unless it is something they now require. OP you may still want to confirm with NEXUS as each issuing office may have different expectations. For example on the application it may not state that you need a Birth Certificate but some agents will request that a Birth Cert be on file and they will give you a 30 day grace or else your membership is terminated.

[IceBlueShoes12]

I'd consider getting the BYID card from the LCBO as a form of govt. ID regardless of the Nexus card.
But that's just me...

[mudd_stuffin]

In addition to the points made by others below, I recently called CBSA who indicated that the NEXUS card is NOT a valid piece of ID for a land crossing (other than the NEXUS lane)... That means you may be SOL if you are coming back into Canada at a land crossing and the NEXUS lane is closed.

Certainly, every CBSA agent has advised me that I should carry a passport together with the NEXUS card - so that is consistent with Tkyoshi says below. It may just be that one never checks the passport or CSK'smom has never come back to Canada at a land crossing when the NEXUS lane is closed, but a NEXUS card holder is supposed to have a passport at hand according to CBSA agents I have spoken with. The Nexus website says:

Note: You must possess appropriate immigration documents (e.g. a work permit or a visa) and identification documents (e.g. a passport or whichever proof of citizenship and photo identification you normally travel with) in addition to your NEXUS card. Your authorized period of admission to Canada depends on your immigration status in or citizenship of that country, and the same applies for the United States.

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5095-eng.html#a02

So CSK'smom appears to be wrong in her info...

[CSK'sMom]

I'd consider getting the BYID card from the LCBO as a form of govt. ID regardless of the Nexus card.
But that's just me...

And exactly what is that going to do for the OP, or anyone else for that matter? It's not one of the 3 acceptable pieces of ID required to cross the border into the US. :confused:

tkyoshi, things have changed with the new chip cards. There are absolutely no variations in requirements between offices. The application is done online through GOES. A birth certificate number is required on the application. It's a fairly extensive application that goes through a regional US border office (Vermont in my case) for approval or denial before an interview can be booked. Basically at the interview it's just a matter of them verifying your ID, etc then taking a pic and fingerprints. The cards are now mailed and not issued on the spot. For the OP, with exactly the same circumstances as myself (don't drive, no vehicle, no passport) it's really straight forward and economically satisfies the US border ID requirements...

[CSK'sMom]

In addition to the points made by others below, I recently called CBSA who indicated that the NEXUS card is NOT a valid piece of ID for a land crossing (other than the NEXUS lane)... That means you may be SOL if you are coming back into Canada at a land crossing and the NEXUS lane is closed.

Certainly, every CBSA agent has advised me that I should carry a passport together with the NEXUS card - so that is consistent with Tkyoshi says below. It may just be that one never checks the passport or CSK'smom has never come back to Canada at a land crossing when the NEXUS lane is closed, but a NEXUS card holder is supposed to have a passport at hand according to CBSA agents I have spoken with. The Nexus website says:

Note: You must possess appropriate immigration documents (e.g. a work permit or a visa) and identification documents (e.g. a passport or whichever proof of citizenship and photo identification you normally travel with) in addition to your NEXUS card. Your authorized period of admission to Canada depends on your immigration status in or citizenship of that country, and the same applies for the United States.

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5095-eng.html#a02

So CSK'smom appears to be wrong in her info...

As a matter of fact, a passport is not required to get back into Canada. Proof of citizenship should always be carried along with Nexus but that does not mean a passport exclusively. One's birth certificate is more than enough if a Canadian BSO wants more than one's Nexus card. Another fact, I have never, ever used a Nexus lane crossing either way. Hubby and boys have EDL's. ;)

[mudd_stuffin]

As a matter of fact, a passport is not required to get back into Canada. Proof of citizenship should always be carried along with Nexus but that does not mean a passport exclusively. One's birth certificate is more than enough if a Canadian BSO wants more than one's Nexus card. Another fact, I have never, ever used a Nexus lane crossing either way. Hubby and boys have EDL's. ;)

If the NEXUS card is the only ID you have with you and you do not use a NEXUS lane at a land crossing, you have been very fortunate. As I said, it is not supposed to be accepted by the CBSA as a valid travel document back to Canada.

[CSK'sMom]

If the NEXUS card is the only ID you have with you and you do not use a NEXUS lane at a land crossing, you have been very fortunate. As I said, it is not supposed to be accepted by the CBSA as a valid travel document back to Canada.

Did I ever say that a Nexus card is the ONLY piece of ID I carry or cross with? I DO NOT and NEVER have had a passport. Up until June 1st I crossed at least twice a week with my birth certificate and OHIP card. Both are always in my wallet. I now cross at least twice a week with my Nexus card and have not been asked for supplemental ID once coming back into Canada but it's always in my wallet.... Exactly the same scenario the OP has outlined.

By the way, all of this has been covered fairly extensively in the Nexus thread in this forum with a Canadian BSO posting in that thread.

[mudd_stuffin]

Did I ever say that a Nexus card is the ONLY piece of ID I carry or cross with? I DO NOT and NEVER have had a passport. Up until June 1st I crossed at least twice a week with my birth certificate and OHIP card. Both are always in my wallet. I now cross at least twice a week with my Nexus card and have not been asked for supplemental ID once coming back into Canada but it's always in my wallet.... Exactly the same scenario the OP has outlined.

By the way, all of this has been covered fairly extensively in the Nexus thread in this forum with a Canadian BSO posting in that thread.

No, you never said what you carried but I still stand by my statement that you have been fortunate - CBSA is not supposed to accept your NEXUS card at a non-NEXUS land crossing lane.

[i6s1]

No, you never said what you carried but I still stand by my statement that you have been fortunate - CBSA is not supposed to accept your NEXUS card at a non-NEXUS land crossing lane.

But they do. Every time. They are required by law to admit any Canadian citizen. You don't need a passport to get back into Canada, any proof of citizenship will do.

[mr_toast]

I'd consider getting the BYID card from the LCBO as a form of govt. ID regardless of the Nexus card.
But that's just me...

I don't know how getting a BYID card gets one across the border. Maybe into the LCBO, but...

Also, to the other repliers, I thank you kindly for replying, and I'm sorry this has turned into a (sort of) argument over whether a Nexus card really is acceptable for bus travelers. Since this is a fairly unique case, I might as well call the processing centers tomorrow.

I should've done that in the first place. Someone'll say that. Mark my words :razz:

[CSK'sMom]

Unfortunately mr-toast, some folks just can't understand that some of us don't drive and have no intention to travel internationally hence no real need for a passport. ;) Nexus fits the bill to get one into the US by any mode of transportation. Using the bus makes absolutely no difference to the US gov't border ID requirements. It's the same by bus, car, boat, plane or even walking.:) And it's not really a unique case either. My son plays on a football team that plays exclusively in the US. They bus to the games and probably half the guys have Nexus, another quarter have EDL's and the last quarter have passports...

[mr_toast]

And the Nexus folks never had to carry a passport or anything, just a SIN card or a birth cert photocopy?

I must definitely get this Nexus card if this is the case

[Beachdown]

My point wasn't that it's not acceptable, it was merely that the process of getting a nexus card is more trouble than it's worth. While I may have been wrong about processing time (I'll absolutely defer to Csks-mom on the inner workings of nexus), it is still alot of trouble to go to when a passport costs relatively the same amount of time, and only takes 2-4 weeks to get. My understanding is that nexus requires pretty intrusive background checks, as well as an in person interview. Why go through all that every 5 years if you don't have to?

[CSK'sMom]

And the Nexus folks never had to carry a passport or anything, just a SIN card or a birth cert photocopy?

I must definitely get this Nexus card if this is the case

SIN card won't get you anywhere and you should never carry it anyway. Birth certificate and some other form of photo ID is all you need to carry. In my case I use my OHIP card for photo ID and the border is the only place that accepts it as photo ID.


My point wasn't that it's not acceptable, it was merely that the process of getting a nexus card is more trouble than it's worth. While I may have been wrong about processing time (I'll absolutely defer to Csks-mom on the inner workings of nexus), it is still alot of trouble to go to when a passport costs relatively the same amount of time, and only takes 2-4 weeks to get. My understanding is that nexus requires pretty intrusive background checks, as well as an in person interview. Why go through all that every 5 years if you don't have to?

Actually it's a very straight forward process. The application is pretty typical and doesn't ask for much more info that the EDL application. Basically to apply for Nexus you do the application through the GOES website. For most applications it seems that an answer comes back withing 48-72 hrs now. At that point if you print the letter from the GOES site you can cross the border technically. You then book the interview appt, in my case IIRC I had mine within about 10 days. Interview is painless, they look at your ID and make copies, fingerprint and take photo as well as fully explain the program and it's requirements as well as zero tolerance policy. Walked out within about 10 minutes and had card in the mail days later. Passports cost more than Nexus and have a higher PITA factor as well. Between hoping that the pics are acceptable, finding a signer, waiting at the passport office, etc it's just not worth it for those of us who just want to cross into the US.

Finally for those that use busy border crossing the Nexus card can save substantial amounts of time when using the Nexus lanes. Heck we even have a bridge here that is exclusively for Nexus users which means absolutely zero wait times. ;)

[hesp]

ive used my nexus twice and evertime the machine doesnt pick up my cards. Am I doing someting wrong? Ive held it up to the machines to scan but its doenst do anything and then i have to drive up to the booth and scan it there

[Beachdown]

Between hoping that the pics are acceptable, finding a signer, waiting at the passport office, etc it's just not worth it for those of us who just want to cross into the US.

I guess I'm spoiled living in Ottawa, with two passport offices close by. Plus all the service Canada sites. Never had to wait, never had picture problems (and you don't need a signer for renewals anymore).

[tkyoshi]

ive used my nexus twice and evertime the machine doesnt pick up my cards. Am I doing someting wrong? Ive held it up to the machines to scan but its doenst do anything and then i have to drive up to the booth and scan it there

You mean the card counter just sits at 0? It should just pick it up if you hold it outside your window, the new cards have slightly shorter range maybe try inching a bit closer to the white square thingies.

They were having some issues Pac Highway recently, where the computer isn't reading the cards or reads them and then closes your info when you drive up to the booth.

[hesp]

You mean the card counter just sits at 0? It should just pick it up if you hold it outside your window, the new cards have slightly shorter range maybe try inching a bit closer to the white square thingies.

They were having some issues Pac Highway recently, where the computer isn't reading the cards or reads them and then closes your info when you drive up to the booth.

yeah this was at the Peace Arch crossing. It just sat at 0. So im just aiming the card at those 2 white rectangle boxes?

[tkyoshi]

yeah this was at the Peace Arch crossing. It just sat at 0. So im just aiming the card at those 2 white rectangle boxes?

Yes point it at those (and make sure you don't have RF Blocking sleeve near it). If you continue to have issues have them check it out at the NEXUS office, they can determine if the card's RFID is defective.

Sometimes I find when you point it if you move your arm slowly up and down a bit at the boxes it helps.

[hesp]

Yes point it at those (and make sure you don't have RF Blocking sleeve near it). If you continue to have issues have them check it out at the NEXUS office, they can determine if the card's RFID is defective.

Sometimes I find when you point it if you move your arm slowly up and down a bit at the boxes it helps.

thanks; I will try that next time

[mr_toast]

I apologize for bumping this 4-month-old thread.

I've got a trip tomorrow, and I intend to use my nexus card for the first time. When they say "declarations", what should I declare? Luggage/personal effects? Or stuff I'll use up when I'm down there? I've read somewhere here that some fella used the Nexus lane and was penalized for not declaring a bagel which is quite silly, but is still something that causes concern. It's land travel, if it makes a difference.

[chickenbones]

There's no benefit if you just ride the bus. The bus can not go through the NEXUS lane.

So why bother with it.


Better to just use other valid docs. You have to carry one anyway, because they may ask you for it, so it's best to have it.

So if you don't have a passport then I guess it's usefull. But if you have a birth cirtificate why not just use that. I use NEXUS only 'cus it has a dedicated lane and machines at the airport.

[mr_toast]

I got Nexus for these four reasons:
-I don't travel anywhere except the USA
-The Nexus carrd is WHTI-compliant, and is a valid cross-border travel document
-The card is cheaper than the passport
-I assumed since the card is WHTI-compliant you can use it at any crossing, whether it be dedicated land lanes or bus passenger customs

If the Nexus card isn't accepted at passenger customs, I'll just use my passport instead and make sure I renew it before it expires.

But I still need to know what I need to declare. The CBSA and the US DHS websites are both obscure in what they mean by "declare goods". That's if I have to declare anything at all.

[CSK'sMom]

I got Nexus for these four reasons:
-I don't travel anywhere except the USA
-The Nexus carrd is WHTI-compliant, and is a valid cross-border travel document
-The card is cheaper than the passport
-I assumed since the card is WHTI-compliant you can use it at any crossing, whether it be dedicated land lanes or bus passenger customs

If the Nexus card isn't accepted at passenger customs, I'll just use my passport instead and make sure I renew it before it expires.

But I still need to know what I need to declare. The CBSA and the US DHS websites are both obscure in what they mean by "declare goods". That's if I have to declare anything at all.

Yes you can use it on the bus. Don't worry about the declaration. That "stuff" is only for when using the dedicated Nexus Lane and won't apply when on a bus. It will be just like any other time you've crossed. Personally, I have never used the Nexus lane with my card. Hubby has an EDL and I'd never use the Nexus lane coming back into Canada. We do way too mych cross border shopping and like the BSO discretion at the booths. There is no discretion when using the Nexus lanes...

[ES_Revenge]

Actually it's a very straight forward process. The application is pretty typical and doesn't ask for much more info that the EDL application. Basically to apply for Nexus you do the application through the GOES website. For most applications it seems that an answer comes back withing 48-72 hrs now. At that point if you print the letter from the GOES site you can cross the border technically.
Bumping an old-ish thread too, no point in making a new one...

I just applied for my Nexus, so you're saying once I have the initial approval (before the interview) I can cross the border with just that? Are you sure? There doesn't seem to be any mention of this anywhere on the border site I don't think, just that you need either an EDL, passport, or Nexus card. Does it tell you that when you get the preliminary approval email?


You then book the interview appt, in my case IIRC I had mine within about 10 days. Interview is painless, they look at your ID and make copies, fingerprint and take photo as well as fully explain the program and it's requirements as well as zero tolerance policy. Walked out within about 10 minutes and had card in the mail days later.
Hmm from another thread I read they print your Nexus card "on the spot", I guess it depends on where you go for your interview?

[ranjy]

Bumping an old-ish thread too, no point in making a new one...

I just applied for my Nexus, so you're saying once I have the initial approval (before the interview) I can cross the border with just that? Are you sure? There doesn't seem to be any mention of this anywhere on the border site I don't think, just that you need either an EDL, passport, or Nexus card. Does it tell you that when you get the preliminary approval email?


Hmm from another thread I read they print your Nexus card "on the spot", I guess it depends on where you go for your interview?

-According to e-mails I've received from the Nexus program - you only need your Nexus card when crossing even if not in the Nexus lane. I've used Nexus ID in non-Nexus lanes with no issue before. (I also have an EDL though, so if there was ever an issue I'd have that as well...I would probably still carry my passport if I didn't have one)
-They used to print on the spot - but not anymore since they've re-designed the card...they have to be mailed to you now

[CSK'sMom]

ES, I was told during my interview that with that approval letter you should be able to cross. Ultimately it's up to the guy in the booth on the US side though. ANd no, they aren't printed on the spot anymore since the chip has been added to them. You'll get it about a week to 10 days after your interviews with both the US and Can guys...

[ES_Revenge]

-According to e-mails I've received from the Nexus program - you only need your Nexus card when crossing even if not in the Nexus lane...
I think you misunderstood. I know that part ;) CSK'sMom had posted that once you get your preliminary acceptance email (i.e. before your interviews and getting your card) you can use that (I assume with supplementary documentation) to cross the border right away. I was asking whether that is true or not because I've not seen that mentioned anywhere else.

[CSK'sMom]

It's the same situation with getting an EDL ES. Folks we know (even one of our boys) has been able to cross with the paperwork while waiting for the license to arrive. It's always a "YMMV" though as ultimately it's up to the guy in the booth. If you have everything else in order (birth certificate for example along with the acceptance letter or paperwork for EDL) they are more apt to let you cross as they realize it takes a bit to get the interview for a exus or the actual EDL card in the mail...

[ES_Revenge]

It's the same situation with getting an EDL ES. Folks we know (even one of our boys) has been able to cross with the paperwork while waiting for the license to arrive. It's always a "YMMV" though as ultimately it's up to the guy in the booth. If you have everything else in order (birth certificate for example along with the acceptance letter or paperwork for EDL) they are more apt to let you cross as they realize it takes a bit to get the interview for a exus or the actual EDL card in the mail...
Ah I see, but you need to go through the interview first at least?

Also I submitted my Nexus app like 4 days ago and it still shows "Pending Review". From the reports here and on other threads it seems it should only take a couple days to get an email back. Anyone know if they are having delays right now? Should I be worried?

[ItemFinder]

Let me ask this: does the Nexus take into account the reason for travel? Let's say I apply for one to visit the US, but later get employment, do I need to update my intention with the program?

[mr_toast]

Yep. I think your work visa just gets tied with your Nexus card and your passport and your EDL

[ES_Revenge]

Okay so it's been about a week now since I applied, still "Pending Review" :(

Anyone else applied recently in the GTA and been waiting this long? I'm wondering what's up given the 48-72hr estimates. GOES site says to email only if it is not updated after 4 weeks, so I don't want to email them just yet.

[D582]

Okay so it's been about a week now since I applied, still "Pending Review" :(

Anyone else applied recently in the GTA and been waiting this long? I'm wondering what's up given the 48-72hr estimates. GOES site says to email only if it is not updated after 4 weeks, so I don't want to email them just yet.

I applied in March and got approval 10 days after, so it's possible they are just bogged down.

[makemoretospendmore]

I applied online and was ready to schedule an interview within a week. I applied for my wife's right after mine and she waited two...

After the interview I was instantly approved. She had to wait 3 weeks to have her status change to approved.

I absolutely love NEXUS. No waiting for immigration agents and straight through to security...

[Ebola]

Okay so it's been about a week now since I applied, still "Pending Review" :(

Anyone else applied recently in the GTA and been waiting this long? I'm wondering what's up given the 48-72hr estimates. GOES site says to email only if it is not updated after 4 weeks, so I don't want to email them just yet.

It's an estimate. Risk assessments can take longer depending what information shows up in queries.

[ES_Revenge]

It's an estimate. Risk assessments can take longer depending what information shows up in queries.
I see. So they are "checking me out" now or does Pending Review mean they haven't even started that? I.e. Is my application pending review or is my approval pending review?

I was thinking this would be a couple weeks total (including interviews), tops.

Now I'm thinking I should have just used that $50 towards a passport, which by other accounts, seems like it would have been faster. :(

Do they send you an email when you are approved? Or do you have to keep checking back like it says. Checking everyday is getting a bit stupid.

[noreaga]

I just submitted my Nexus app last night. Will keep you folks posted on how long things take.

[noreaga]

Update: as per post above, submitted on May 14th, received email to schedule interview on May 28. First available spot though was July 9, 2010 !

[Nevermynd]

To answer one of the OP's original questions:
NEXUS and FAST membership cards will now be accepted as proof of identity and as documents that denote citizenship when entering Canada at all land and marine ports of entry. This means that citizens of Canada and the United States who are NEXUS or FAST members, and are carrying with them valid membership cards, are no longer required to carry other supplementary documents such as passports or birth certificates with them when entering Canada by boat or by land, when using non-NEXUS or non-FAST lanes.

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/proofid-preuveid-eng.html

I've had my Nexus card since the program started 8 years ago and I have to say it's fantastic having one. My wife is originally from the US and we go down at least once a month to visit her family. Holidays are that much more relaxing because I don't have to think about what time we have to leave and I don't have to worry about sitting in line for hours.

[litebrite]

Holidays are that much more relaxing because I don't have to think about what time we have to leave and I don't have to worry about sitting in line for hours.

With the amount of ppl that are signing up for Nexus, you won't have to wait hours anymore, but guaranteed you'll have to wait at least an hour on long weekends. The lineups at the Nexus line are getting ridiculous!

Was at Peace Arch today around 11am, and the nexus lane was way longer than the regular lines and not really moving. Crazy! I hate having to play the 'which nexus lane will be shorter' game when it comes to Peace Arch or Pacific...

[mr_toast]

So I was foolish and thought getting a Nexus card was better than getting an EDL. I was in every way wrong. I now have an EDL that's useful for everything and a Nexus card that does nothing and sits in my travel wallet. (Never travel by air, only land)

So, I'm planning to go to the Nexus office at Pearson to give it in because I simply don't need it, but I'd have to know if an EDL and a birth certificate is ample proof of citizenship to replace a passport on the Nexus card. Would anyone happen to know? And would anyone happen to know what they do when they take the card?

[iamnotamerican.com]

So I was foolish and thought getting a Nexus card was better than getting an EDL. I was in every way wrong. I now have an EDL that's useful for everything and a Nexus card that does nothing and sits in my travel wallet. (Never travel by air, only land)

Ah, but the EDL won't get you into a priority lane now, will it? :-) I was deciding which way I wanted to go as well, and decided for a few extra dollars each year I'd get the priority lane. Well worth it. Been once to the USA on a flight and it saved me loads of time on the way back - on the way down there wasn't any wait at all.

[EPcjay]

To answer one of the OP's original questions:
NEXUS and FAST membership cards will now be accepted as proof of identity and as documents that denote citizenship when entering Canada at all land and marine ports of entry. This means that citizens of Canada and the United States who are NEXUS or FAST members, and are carrying with them valid membership cards, are no longer required to carry other supplementary documents such as passports or birth certificates with them when entering Canada by boat or by land, when using non-NEXUS or non-FAST lanes.

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/proofid-preuveid-eng.html


FYI:
Just to clarify, it was since November 24th, 2009 ... so it wasn't recently they did this change

[EPcjay]

So, I'm planning to go to the Nexus office at Pearson to give it in because I simply don't need it, but I'd have to know if an EDL and a birth certificate is ample proof of citizenship to replace a passport on the Nexus card. Would anyone happen to know? And would anyone happen to know what they do when they take the card?

You have to apply online first before go to the office. They do not take walk-in applications. Also, I advised them I would be traveling strictly land but USA was giving me hassle and rather I have a passport. Canadian side of the interview was ok with it.

[mr_toast]

Ah, but the EDL won't get you into a priority lane now, will it? :-) I was deciding which way I wanted to go as well, and decided for a few extra dollars each year I'd get the priority lane. Well worth it. Been once to the USA on a flight and it saved me loads of time on the way back - on the way down there wasn't any wait at all.

That's true, but I don't travel by air anyways anymore. The only way I'd travel by air is US domestic, and I don't know if the Nexus card's good for that without a passport. But yep, Nexus lanes and all, I know. I don't know if I'll be driving anytime soon across the border, that's all


You have to apply online first before go to the office. They do not take walk-in applications. Also, I advised them I would be traveling strictly land but USA was giving me hassle and rather I have a passport. Canadian side of the interview was ok with it.

I know, I already have the card; I mean I'm either surrendering it or updating it

[Ix2L]

nexus priority lane ..

does everyone in the car need a nexus card for that or just the driver?

[Roconne]

nexus priority lane ..

does everyone in the car need a nexus card for that or just the driver?Everyone in the vehicle needs it.

[allenace]

nexus priority lane ..

does everyone in the car need a nexus card for that or just the driver?

Don't go in the priority lane unless everyone has it. I know of a couple that did this a couple of times with people that didn't have it. The first time they were warned. The second time, they got their pass taken away.

[Roconne]

Also don't think about pulling the trick of dropping your passengers off before the border and having them walk across, while you drive through the Nexus. That too will get your pass revoked.

Think someone on this board asked about doing that before...

[litebrite]

Peace Arch update: 2 Nexus lanes for the time being!! They're doing construction so it appears 2 regular lanes are funelling down into 1 while the Nexus splits into 2.

This was the case today, perhaps it'll change as construction proceeds. Seems odd they'll let the regular lanes get so backed up because of those (merging into 1 lane at the end)...

[mkjr]

Peace Arch update: 2 Nexus lanes for the time being!! They're doing construction so it appears 2 regular lanes are funelling down into 1 while the Nexus splits into 2.

This was the case today, perhaps it'll change as construction proceeds. Seems odd they'll let the regular lanes get so backed up because of those (merging into 1 lane at the end)...

thank god we have a separate crossing for nexus here in ontario...the whirlpool bridge...i have heard stories about all the jerks who go down the nexus lane and then cut in at the last moment...

[toram23901]

Peace Arch update: 2 Nexus lanes for the time being!! They're doing construction so it appears 2 regular lanes are funelling down into 1 while the Nexus splits into 2.

This was the case today, perhaps it'll change as construction proceeds. Seems odd they'll let the regular lanes get so backed up because of those (merging into 1 lane at the end)...

I'm not sure how the Peace Arch is in terms of the highway --> toll --> bridge lanes. But at the Sarnia crossing (Sarnia, ON - Port Huron, MI) I know they will scale down the number of tolls opened to control the volume of cars going onto the bridge itself.

Last time I was there, I was stuck in traffic 5KM away from the toll...and I did not know I could use the truck lane because I had Nexus...Crept forward for about 45 minutes before I switched lanes.

[litebrite]

^ Thankfully no tolls here... just highway --> border crossing.