Nexus Interview?

[CanadianPaco]

We've scheduled our Nexus interview for next month. Has any fellow Canadians been through the interview? Just curious what to expect...
Thx

 

[hcortesis]

By the time you actually get to the so called "interview", most all of their questions have been answered. I don't really remember actually being asked anything as it seemed to be a sign here, sign there sort of a meeting. And at some point they take a picture of your retina's.

After you receive your card, it's quite neat to walk by the long custom lines by simply answering a few questions and getting your eyes scanned all at one of the self serve kiosks.

 

[tjbaggott]

Is Ontario now using/issuing Nexus cards? Thats news to me! How does one apply for one?

 

[hcortesis]

Been doing it for a couple of years now. You can apply online and if accepted, you visit a local airport for your "interview", which means you have been accepted and just need to sign some forms.

 

[CanadianPaco]

Just google GOES and it takes you right there. We did it on line and will go to the interview as a family. That's how we booked it.

 

[rjan67]

The rest of my family did theirs about 1 week ago. They just review some of the questions on the form (where you have travelled, any times you have been rejected at the border). Bring your id and copy of the letter. They will take your picture, fingerprints and retina scan (if you are doing it at one of the major airports, required to use to fly into Canadian airports). Then you meet with a U.S. and a Canadian representative to explain the program. It is more relaxed than if you have ever had to go in to customs and be questioned. Took my dh and 3 kids approx. 1 hour.

 

[tjbaggott]

Thanks for the info! I presume these Nexus cards can be used INSTEAD of a passport? Do you have an expiry date on them, if so how many years are they good for and how much do they cost compared to passports? Arey young children eligable for a nexus card?

Wow, guess thats all my questions! They just keep rolling into my head

 

[minnie56]

They just ask pretty much the same questions as on the online application.
If you have multiple Passports bring them tho..as we also hold British Passports and only took the Canadian ones not knowing they would require or even know we had them. That necessitated another trip thereafter to update our Nexus cards.

I think they are $50 US for 5 years? Per person.

Nexus is all you need to carry when entering the US only.

 

[CanadianPaco]

We have our passports as well. We wanted them for crossing into Port Huron. One too many 1 hr bridge crossings!!! DH also does alot of business in the US so this will help. Not expensive, I thought, at $50 US.

 

[AndyMcV]

Ok... I must be a travel loser. What is Nexus?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Ok... I must be a travel loser. What is Nexus?

It's a card designed for those who travel a lot to the United States, so they don't need to wait in the same US Customs lines. Here is a link with all the information about it.
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/menu-eng.html

 

[canadianmom2three]

For us, it was a great deal!! Can be used at the US border instead of a passport, kids are FREE!!! and doesn't expire for 5 years. The whole process was easier than I thought, and we live in a border town so I love not having to wait in line to cross anymore, makes it easy to skip across for dinner or whatnot without worrying about the lineups.

 

[rewok]

Talking about Nexus, does anyone knows if we could get it since we are just "normal" travellers? Would they be suspicious of us? We do cross the border 5-6 times a year, and might sometimes go more often if it wasn't of the long wait lines. 100$ for both of us would be worth it, plus no need to carry the passport around, nice when you go to the beach!

 

[tiggerrr]

Talking about Nexus, does anyone knows if we could get it since we are just "normal" travellers? Would they be suspicious of us? We do cross the border 5-6 times a year, and might sometimes go more often if it wasn't of the long wait lines. 100$ for both of us would be worth it, plus no need to carry the passport around, nice when you go to the beach!

I cross the border 5 times a year. Three times on business, two on vacation. I'm not sure if they check how many times I cross, but if they did there was no issue. When I went in for the interview, they asked why I travel and I told them why I cross for business and my general vacation travel. That was it, and I had no problem getting the card.

 

[rjan67]

Yes, anyone can get one. They did say that usually the first time or two that you use your new card you will probably get a random compliance check. I get one about 1/month, takes about 5 minutes (on the U.S. side).

 

[lovemyboys2009]

Hi! When we went for our interview (2 adults & 2 kids) we were there almost an hour. The longest part was when they explained how to use it. We live in London but did our interview in Port Huron because we could get in faster than at the airport. I think it's great, especially since it's cheaper than a passport (no fee for kids).

 

[CanadianPaco]

Well we're neighbours! Hi from Woodstock. We debated whether to go to Pearson or Port Huron since either way is 1.5 hrs. We ended up choosing the airport. I didn't realize that children are free. I knew I was not able to pay for it on line for DD but I assumed I'd have to pay for it in person. Nice to know!