"We are pleased to continue expanding the Nexus program, not only at new airports throughout 2007 but also by improving the application process itself with this new online flexibility," said CBP Commissioner W. Ralph Basham. "This program has tremendous benefits for our law enforcement officials as well as travelers, particularly as it has been proposed as an alternative document to a passport under new document requirements, and we want to encourage new members to sign up."
Once an applicant is notified that they are conditionally approved through their online account, they will need to schedule an appointment, also through their online account, to complete the interview and fingerprint process and to obtain their membership card.
Approved members have access to dedicated commuter lanes, airport kiosks and telephonic marine reporting that allows expedited processing. Key benefits of the new online application system include expediting the entire application and vetting process, and streamlining the processing time for new applicants and renewals. Individuals who have already mailed their application to the Canada Border Services Agency should continue with this process.
First implemented in 2000, the Nexus program has grown to include 15 lanes at 11 locations along the U.S./Canada border, at marine reporting locations border-wide, and at five Canadian airports. The Nexus card has also been proposed as an accepted alternative to a passport under new travel document requirements, slated to go into effect for land and sea crossings as early as summer 2008. Ample advance notice and a robust public information campaign will precede full implementation of this requirement. The Nexus card is also acceptable as an alternative to a passport for air travel, a requirement that went into effect January 23, 2007.
Currently, U.S. and Canadian citizens are not required to present a passport or specific document when seeking to enter or re-enter the United States at land and sea crossings. CBP highly encourages travelers to carry, at minimum, proof of citizenship such as a certified copy of your birth certificate, along with government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license.
Over 133,000 travelers from both sides of the border currently are enrolled in the program, which accounts for more than 6 percent of border crossings. A list of Frequently Asked Questions on the new online system is available at www.cbp.gov. Travelers may also call the CBP Help Desk at 1-800-927-8729 , press 0 then 1 for technical support, or the Canada Border Services Agency Help Desk at 1-888-281-5778 , or email SGIL-AIDE@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.
