NEXUS Program Goes Online
Posted Aug 24, 2007
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The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced its new, online NEXUS application system on August 16, 2007. The use of the NEXUS card is an alternative to a passport for travel between the US and Canada. According to the CBP, "[t]he system helps [its] officers accomplish their dual mission of securing the borders while facilitating trade and travel." Regular MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers may recall our December 8, 2006 article, Reminder: Passports Required for Western Hemisphere Air Travel. In light of that recent requirement, this voluntary program allows persons holding NEXUS cards to travel, crossing the border between the United States and Canada more easily and with less potential for delays.
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Rather than providing a hard copy of the application to an enrollment center, the new web-based system streamlines the processing time for new applications and renewals, and expedites the application process. After admission to NEXUS, individuals are allowed to review their information, make changes, if necessary, and renew membership.
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NEXUS Program
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The NEXUS Program was first implemented in 2000. NEXUS card holders are given access to dedicated commuter lanes, airport kiosks, and telephonic marine reporting, all of which allow for expedited processing. Access is provided to 15 lanes at 11 locations along the U.S. / Canada border, at marine reporting locations border-wide, and at five Canadian airports. According to the CBP, more than 133,000 travelers from both sides of the border are currently enrolled in NEXUS, which accounts for more than six percent of border crossings.
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Under NEXUS, applicants undergo background checks, in-person interviews, fingerprinting, and pay a nonrefundable $50 membership fee, valid for five (5) years. All applicants 18 years of age and older must pay this fee. All others are only required to submit the application. When one submits his/her data through the online system, s/he is prompted to pay the fee using a major credit card or checking account information.
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What Are the Criteria for Eligibility?
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Qualified individuals include citizens and permanent residents of the United States and Canada. Any others who plan to temporarily reside in the U.S. and/or Canada, and who pass an Interpol criminal history check, are eligible for the NEXUS membership for the duration of their temporary residence.
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Who Does Not Qualify?
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People who do not qualify include the following individuals:

• those inadmissible to either the United States or Canada under applicable immigration laws

• those who provide false or incomplete information on their applications

• those who have been convicted in any country of a criminal offense, for which they have not received a pardon

• those who have violated any customs or immigration laws

• those who will not lawfully reside in either Canada / U.S. for the duration of the NEXUS membership

• those who fail to meet any other requirements of the NEXUS program

How to Apply
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Interested persons should submit an online application and pay the membership fee by using the Global Online Enrollment System (GOES). Once the completed application is received by the CBP, it will be reviewed and notification of a conditional approval will be sent. Applicants will also be instructed to schedule appointments for interviews. A NEXUS appointment interview is scheduled according to the online instructions. If the CBP denies an application, the enrollment office will send a letter to the applicant outlining the reasons for the denial.
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Both the United States and Canada must approve one's application before a NEXUS card will be sent, allowing participation in the program.
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If Application Has Been Mailed
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One who has already mailed an application to the Canada Border Services Agency must continue that process. S/He will be instructed by mail to contact an enrollment center to schedule an interview. Upon the expiration of the border card, one may apply to renew his/her NEXUS membership online.