The NEXUS program is often called the best-kept secret in the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) portfolio. At just $120 for a 5-year membership, it is the most cost-effective way to get expedited processing for travel between the United States and Canada, while simultaneously including the benefits of both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck.
However, because the program requires approval from both the United States and Canada, the application and interview processes are unique. Here is your complete guide to getting your NEXUS card — or you can compare NEXUS to other programs.
1. What is NEXUS?
NEXUS is a joint program operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). It allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to experience expedited processing when traveling between the two nations by air, land, or sea.
Unbeatable Benefits:
- Air Travel: Use dedicated NEXUS kiosks when entering Canada by air, and use Global Entry kiosks when entering the United States.
- Land Borders: Access dedicated commuter lanes at Northern border ports of entry to skip the traffic.
- TSA PreCheck Included: Membership automatically grants you TSA PreCheck status for domestic U.S. flights.
- The Cost Hack: NEXUS costs exactly the same as Global Entry ($120), yet includes Canada clearance and Global Entry and TSA PreCheck.
2. Who is Eligible?
You do not have to live near the Canadian border to apply for NEXUS. (Not sure if NEXUS is right for you? Take the quiz). The program is open to:
- U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents
- Canadian Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents
- Mexican Nationals who are members of the Viajero Confiable program
Both countries must perform extensive background checks. A criminal conviction or past customs violation in either country can result in a denial.
3. The Two-Step Interview Process
This is where NEXUS differs entirely from Global Entry. Because it is a joint program, you must be interviewed and approved by officers from both the CBP (United States) and CBSA (Canada).
There are three ways to complete this requirement:
Method 1: Joint Enrollment Centers (Land Borders) The traditional method is scheduling your interview at a land border enrollment center (like Blaine, WA or Detroit, MI) where both CBP and CBSA officers are physically stationed in the same building. You complete both interviews in one visit.
Method 2: Two-Step Canadian Airport Process If you are flying to Canada, you can split your interview:
- Book an appointment at a Canadian airport enrollment center to interview solely with the CBSA before your flight.
- Complete your CBP interview on your return trip to the U.S. using the Preclearance facility.
Method 3: Two-Step Land Border Process Similar to the airport method, you can complete the Canadian portion at a land border center, and complete the U.S. portion at a U.S. center.
4. Bypassing the Joint Interview Waitlist
Because NEXUS requires two sovereign agencies to coordinate, the appointment backlog is notoriously massive. It can take up to 14 months to secure a Joint Enrollment Center slot.
You cannot rely on logging into the TTP website once a month and hoping for a cancellation. To secure an interview before your vacation, let Appt Helper run 24/7 background scans on the official CBP calendars. When someone cancels their interview, we instantly send an SMS text message directly to your phone so you can claim that slot before anyone else.
Official Government Resources
For the most accurate and up-to-date application materials, please refer directly to the Official Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) Portal managed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.