How Does a Nexus Pass Work?
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What is a Nexus Pass?
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NEXUS is a program offered and operated by the Canada Border Services Agency and the United States Customs and Border Protection that allows low-risk, pre-approved, frequent travelers to cross the border more quickly and easily. NEXUS pass holders can avoid delays when traveling by calling border officials when crossing the border by water, by using the reserved lanes when traveling on land, and by taking advantage of the self-serve kiosks located inside airports. The NEXUS pass can also be used as an approved, official form of citizenship verification when entering the U.S., and can be used in lieu of a passport.
Who is Eligible?
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Citizens and permanent residents of the United States or Canada are eligible to apply for a NEXUS pass. In order to qualify, applicants must have resided in the U.S. or Canada continuously for the three years prior to submitting an application. Documentation will be checked, background checks with be performed, and applicants will then have their fingerprints, digital iris photographs, and photographs taken before a NEXUS pass card is issued. Cards are valid for five years from the date of the applicant's next birthday.
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How to Apply?
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Each pass applicant must complete a separate form, and the application process takes six to eight weeks. Applications can be made online or by mail, but applications received without processing fees will be discarded. In order to be determined eligible, you must submit documents proving Canadian or U.S. citizenship, such as a valid passport, a photo ID and birth certificate, a citizenship certificate or a certification of naturalization, a border crossing card, or a Certificate of Indian Status (Canada only). Permanent residents must provide a valid Permanent Resident Card (both countries) or a Record of Landing (Canada only). Those working or studying in the U.S. or Canada can apply by showing a work permit, study permit, or proof of current residence.
Once your application has been accepted, you will be reviewed in detail and interviewed. Applicants may not be found eligible for a NEXUS pass if they are considered inadmissible to either country, provide incomplete or false information on the application, have been found in violation of immigrations or customs law, or have been convicted of a criminal offense in either country.
How Does it Work?
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Those holding a NEXUS pass are screened more quickly than general travelers, but they must still adhere to all border checks and follow policies on both sides of the border. All vehicle occupants, children included, must be cardholders in order to use the NEXUS reserved lane, and cardholders who need to declare items when crossing must use a regular traffic lane to do so. Vehicles using NEXUS lanes must declare all items purchased via a Travelers Declaration Card. This card is placed into a mailbox located in front of the customs booth. Any taxes or duties due will be automatically billed to the cardholders credit card.
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