Have you been waiting for months for your next trip between Canada and the USA only to discover that once at the border you’ve faced a long line and hours of waiting? You don’t have to be part of this scenario and you can turn traveling into a piece of pie with no wasted time at border crossings. You don’t even have to use a magic stick to do it!
All you have to do is apply for a NEXUS card and become part of the program. The NEXUS card has become a popular solution for people who have frequent travel between the USA and Canada. Especially if you’re visiting either country for work purposes, a NEXUS card could save you hours of precious time. After all, time is the scarcest resource of all so why not explore every avenue to save it for other priority tasks?
In this article, we’ll explore what a NEXUS card is and what you have to do to obtain one. We’ll also look at the benefits you can enjoy as part of the NEXUS card program.
What does the NEXUS card do?
Think of the NEXUS card as a replacement for your passport. The main objective of the program is to make border crossings of low-risk, pre-approved travelers between the United States and Canada faster and less demanding. The program is managed by the Canada Border Services Agency and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
By being a member of the program and possessing a card, you can instantly gain access to the USA from Canada and vice versa via land, sea, or air. The best news is that the application process is nothing too complex and only takes a few minutes of your time. However, the reaped benefits are numerous.
How to get a NEXUS card
In order to get a NEXUS card and enjoy faster travel between the USA and Canada, you need to submit an online application. Before applying for a NEXUS card, you must check if you are eligible to become part of the program. Only applicants over 18 years of age are eligible. In case you are under 18 years of age, you must present written consent from both parents regarding your application.
Applying for the NEXUS card does involve a fee of $50 and there is a certain amount of time that you must wait while the application is being processed. In some cases, the application may take as long as seven months to process.
The first thing you’ll need to do after you’ve ensured that you’re eligible is to collect all of your IDs and necessary documentation. You’ll need proof of your identity and proof of your citizenship. A passport or driver’s license is accepted as proof of ID. You’ll then need to complete and submit your application. After the submission, you’ll be asked to schedule an interview. Once you’re given an interview date and time, you’ll need to attend and answer a few questions. Some of the questions include things like why you want a NEXUS card, how often you plan to use it, your purpose for traveling, and more.
Finally, if you’ve been approved, you will receive your NEXUS card. Before you can use it, you’ll need to activate it using the provided instructions.
The advantages of having a NEXUS card
Having a NEXUS card can completely transform your travels between the USA and Canada. You’ll save time by avoiding line-ups as you can use automated self-service NEXUS kiosks at entry points. You’ll also enjoy faster clearance via security screening lines at major airports. The overall entry process is a lot more simple by using a NEXUS card as opposed to standard entry. There are special vehicle lanes at certain border crossings for convenience.
Overall, having a NEXUS card is a great advantage if you plan to travel between the USA and Canada often. We hope this article has helped answer all of your questions regarding the program and will make your application easier.
