Nexus

[canadiankim]

We have applied for Nexus cards and have our interview next week. Does anyone know what sort of questions they ask? We want to try and prepare the kids as they are a bit nervous

 

[bob315]

My wife, kids and I all have it. Typically they do not ask the kids much and the questions can be answered by you. Our kids were 5 and 8 (now 7 and almost 10). Most of the questions are just asking what was asked in writing. Recall where you have travelled outside the country - we had done some cruises so I struggled to remember all the ports. He had access to where I had been so was able to tell me I forgot one (Bermuda). I then remembered and he said "right". They will interview the adults separately but allow a parent to go up with the kids.

I will also add crossing the border is so much easier - you come up to Customs, the lines is snaking around and you can just go up to the eye scan and you are done. I will also add you can not cheat at the border - if they catch you over the limit or with something you do not declare they will kick you out. I had some Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee I forgot about - it is food and I totally forgot and said no food, then remembered going through and asked the change it. He did allow me and said to be careful next time. All in all I have told everyone to get Nexus. You will love it.

 

[Baltica]

I'll second what Bob wrote. The interview wasn't all that difficult by any stretch. I was asked a few questions when I went in, not so much where I've travelled in the past but how often I tend to cross the border. Both the Canadian and U.S. agents were friendly. Most of the time was going over the rules (about which they're justifiably strict - you'll be granted "most trusted" status).

 

[minnie56]

I did mine 4 years ago so can't recall much except they asked why we wanted Nexus..how often we travel etc etc...mostly they discussed football with my DH

Remember, they never ask you a question that they don't already know the answer to!

 

[canadakath]

Where is your interview? We were in Port Huron, and my DH and I sat together at a desk with the interviewer while they put a movie on for the kids right behind us. No questions for the kids (they were only 2 and 5 at the time) and the basic stuff for us - criminal record, have you ever done drugs, etc. They spent more time explaining the program. They seemed pretty relaxed for the kids - the picture of my 2 year old even has him holding some cars in his hands - not exactly what they would allow for a passport!

 

[canadiankim]

Our interview is tomorrow at the Whirlpool bridge in Niagara Falls, US. It was the best times. There are four of us, Me, DH, DS(12) and DD (9).

DH is a recdent Canadian Citizen so I hope that won't make any difference. Main reason we want it is just to say time. We live quite close to the boarder and go over a fair bit for skiing, camping, shopping etc.

We are very good at declaring all we bring back - this will be even easier once the allowance goes up on June 1st.

Most of our travelling in the past 5 years has been in the US with a couple of trips to the UK as well.

Thanks for all your help.

 

[minnie56]

It shouldn't make any difference that your DH is a recent citizen...

GOOD LUCK!

 

[hcortesis]

Our interview is tomorrow at the Whirlpool bridge in Niagara Falls, US. It was the best times. There are four of us, Me, DH, DS(12) and DD (9).

You are probably on your way already but having just gone there last Saturday to renew, I can tell you that the office is very easy to find. It is right beside the Whirlpool bridge. Although you will have to enter at a different U.S. point as the Whirlpool bridge is Nexus only. We tried to make an appointment in Toronto also but there was literally nothing available.

 

[canadiankim]

Not left yet! We managed to get an appointment for 5pm so I didn't have to miss too much time off work and not have to pull the kids from school.

Just been pulling off all the letters that we need and gathering other info that might be needed.

Thanks again for all the help! I have never been to the Whirlpool bridge on the US side before so it will be nice to see. We will probably cross at Rainbow.

Kids don't care about the Nexus but are looking forward to having their favourite dinner at Chili's

 

[bob315]

I would be curious how you made out.

Bob

 

[canadiankim]

Well that was a breeze

We arrived at the Whirlpool bridge office which is a small little place that doesnt look that official (for immigration). They bought us up to the desk, one at a time and verified the information we provided on the application forms. Then they took photos for the cards, and finger prints. (if we want the iris scan we can do that another day).

Then we chatted with a Canadian official who talked us through some of the paperwork and rules, she then handed us off to the US official who gave us back our passports and sent us on our way.

I think we were there for a total of 25 minutes for the four of us to be processed.

The only issue (if you can call it that!) was from the US guard when we crossed the boarder. When we told him we were coming for the interview for Nexus he was sarcastic and rude (I know kinda typical with some of them!)

We will get the cards in 7-10 days and will be all good to go.

 

[hcoker1]

We've had a couple of small issues with Nexus.
1) when we went for the interview I was given a hard time because I didn't change my name when we got married and they questioned if my son was really mine because he has DH's last name (even though we had brought all of the necessary paperwork). I bit my tongue and tried to be polite.
2) when crossing the Nexus Whirlpool bridge coming back in to Canada you need to have your card activated to pay a toll. Didn't know that, hadn't used the bridge before and after waiting for an hour in line had to turn around and find another bridge into Niagara. It's probably a simple thing to activate your Nexus card to pay tolls but we didn't know in advance.

All in all we love Nexus cards and recommend getting them.

 

[canadiankim]

Well the Nexus cards have arrived and I have gone online to activate them. It took less than a week to get the cards so we are very pleased.

We were told we would have to go to the booth by the Whirlpool bridge and put a credit on our Nexus card to use to pay the toll on the way back into Canada - the immigration lady told us to think of it as a reusable Tims card! So we will have to do that the first time we use it - which should be Monday as it is a PD day for the kids and we have some pre-Disney/UO holiday shopping to do!

Thanks to all for your advice