What Is NEXUS?

What is NEXUS?

NEXUS is a joint trusted traveler program operated by the United States and Canada that provides expedited border crossing for pre-approved, low-risk travelers moving between the two countries. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, NEXUS members can use dedicated lanes and kiosks to cross the US-Canada border quickly by air, land, and sea, saving time compared with standard processing. It is designed for people who frequently travel between the US and Canada, whether commuting, visiting, or doing business across the border. Like other trusted traveler programs, NEXUS requires an application, a background check, and an in-person interview to confirm you are low-risk. Once approved, you receive a membership card and can use the expedited NEXUS lanes and kiosks, making frequent border crossings far more convenient.

What benefits does NEXUS include?

NEXUS offers more than just faster US-Canada crossings. Members get dedicated NEXUS lanes at land border crossings, NEXUS kiosks at participating Canadian airports, and a marine reporting option for boaters, streamlining travel between the two countries. Importantly, NEXUS membership also includes the benefits of Global Entry, giving you expedited US customs and immigration when arriving from anywhere internationally, not just from Canada, and it includes TSA PreCheck for faster security at US airports for eligible members. This means a single NEXUS enrollment effectively grants the benefits of three programs, NEXUS crossings, Global Entry, and PreCheck, which makes it exceptional value. For travelers who qualify and cross the northern border, NEXUS delivers a broad set of expedited-travel benefits well beyond its core purpose.

How much does NEXUS cost and how do you apply?

NEXUS currently costs $120 for a five-year membership, having been aligned with the Global Entry fee, and applicants under 18 are free when a parent or guardian is enrolled or applying, though you should confirm the current fee since pricing can change. To apply, you create an account on the Trusted Traveler Programs portal, submit the application and fee, and if conditionally approved, schedule an in-person interview at a NEXUS enrollment center, most of which are located near the US-Canada border, where officers from both countries may participate. The process includes a background check and collection of biometrics. Because enrollment centers are limited and interviews can have long wait times, applying well ahead is wise. Once approved, your NEXUS benefits, including the bundled Global Entry and PreCheck, are active for five years.

How does NEXUS compare to Global Entry?

NEXUS and Global Entry are closely related and currently share the same $120 five-year fee, but they differ in focus. NEXUS is centered on expedited US-Canada border crossings while also including Global Entry and TSA PreCheck benefits, making it a great choice for anyone who regularly crosses the northern border, since it adds the NEXUS lanes on top of what Global Entry offers. Global Entry, by contrast, focuses on expedited US customs and immigration when arriving from any country and includes PreCheck, but does not include the dedicated NEXUS land-border lanes. Given the identical fee, travelers who cross between the US and Canada often may prefer NEXUS for its extra land-border benefit, while those who mainly fly internationally elsewhere may choose Global Entry. A related program, SENTRI, similarly serves the US-Mexico land border.