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2017
20
January
Is a Nexus Card Worth It Beyond Just Saving Time at the Border?

Question:

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Yan

Just wondering...
What are the Pros and Cons of applying for an Nexus Card, other than driving across the US/Canada borders quicker?

Humans say...

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Dmitriy

Entering US from other countries is much easier/faster as well.
Nexus could serve you as an extra piece of ID (sometimes you are required to present more then one).

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Yan

Thank you! Do you recommend applying for it for occasional international travellers with a young family? (2-3 air travel trips per year and 3 cross border driving trips)

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Dmitriy

We haven't applied (5-6 visits to US annually). Difficult to advise on the matter.

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Yan

Dmitriy Some friends tell me that you tend to lose your privacy and that the Gov'ts. will be able to track your travels movements

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Dmitriy

There are always some pros and cons.

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Yan

Dmitriy Thanks again!

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Amie

We have had our for 5 years. Family of 3. We use at most Canadian and US airports. Kind of like the express lane a grocery store. You bypass security line ups etc. We give verbal declarations as to purchase being brought back onto Canada etc ...they track travel anyways as adults need to provide passport when traveling to the states. They know exactly when going jn and coming out. They only charge adults kids are free. We love it

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Shawn

It's a no brainer. When you drive past the first 2 hour line up and get thru in 10 mins, you will wonder why you waited so long to get it.

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Yan

Amie Thanks! Some good points noted...kids are free...great!

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Yan

Shawn Would you know?:
Is it cost prohibitive?
How long does it take (in most average application) to get approved?

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Shawn

It's only $50 total per adult per 5 years. No brainer.
Time depends on the interview back log. I'd say 2 months tops on a very high estimate.

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Yan

Shawn Thanks again!

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Mar

Cones in handy when you have a tight connection to make.

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Yan

Mar Great point. Thank you.

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Anne

The fact that you can cross quicker was enough for us. $50USD very well spent.

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Dmitriy

And $50CAD for Canadians.

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Yan

Dmitriy Even better. Thanks!

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Anne

Canadians pay $50USD

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Yan

Anne Thanks for clarification on the fees. Still with it.

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Michelle

Children 18 and under is free! Adults is $50 usd, but still well worth it, and cheaper than an enhanced BCDL.

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Yan

Good point. Thanks!

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Sarah

Best $50 bucks you'll ever spend! You can even use it at YVR for domestic flights. You get through security much quicker

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Yan

Thanks!

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Jason

Express security screening (departure) & customs (arrival) for all international flights, not just for the US

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Yan

Jason Sounds good. Thanks!

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Nancy

Best thing invented but know you'll be interviewed by Border Services of both countries, fingerprinted and iris scanned. Even travelling a few times a year is worth it. Remember to always declare everything or you lose your status and will be subject to additional screening for some time.

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Yan

Thank you! Thanks for the reminder

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Nancy

oh yes - never try to cross in a vehicle or boat using the Nexus lane unless everyone has the card

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Yan

Nancy Oh! Thanks i

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Corey

I never actually had my irises scanned... lucky me I guess.

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Tina

Best $50 usd I've ever spent. Nexus lane at land crossings is so much shorter, the border agents are friendlier and don't ask as many stupid questions, you can bypass airport security lines so much faster. We just flew to LA from Vancouver and security lines to and from were both crazy but I didn't have to line up at all! It works out to only $10 a year. I don't care if govt tracks my travel, I have nothing to hide.

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Yan

I agree with you. I will put in our applications. Thank you.

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Francois

Almost every Canadian airport has a special line for Nexsus card holder for going through security, always shorter by far.

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Lukasz

Even if you're not coming in frm USA. When I came back from Asia I was pleasantly surprised by this

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Yan

Good point. Thanks!

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Katie

I love ours!

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Cam

It's not just Nexus, once you get it, you also get Global entry, which gives you similar security access to about 30 other countries.

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Yan

Wow! I didn't know that. Thanks!

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Michelle

Isn't Global Entry a different application?

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Tricia

Wouldn't travel any other way. You will know the value when you arrive a bit late and you see that enormous snaking line at security. Your heart starts to race as you fear missing your flight, but wait! You have a Nexus card. Slip through the short line and even have time for a Starbucks before the flight! Priceless!

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Yan

You are right about that feeling (sometimes) you have when you are at the airport.
Best to be prepared. Thanks!


A.I. says...

AI Profile Pic

Pros and Cons of Applying for a Nexus Card

The Nexus Card is a joint program between the United States and Canada that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to cross the border more quickly and easily. In addition to expedited border crossings, there are a number of other benefits to applying for a Nexus Card.

Pros of Applying for a Nexus Card

  • Expedited border crossings: Nexus Card holders can use dedicated lanes at land border crossings and airports, which can save time waiting in line.
  • Reduced wait times at Global Entry kiosks: Nexus Card holders can use Global Entry kiosks to enter the United States, which can also save time waiting in line.
  • Access to SENTRI lanes: Nexus Card holders can use SENTRI lanes at land border crossings between the United States and Mexico, which can further save time waiting in line.
  • No annual fee: The Nexus Card does not have an annual fee, which makes it a good value for frequent travelers.

Cons of Applying for a Nexus Card

  • Application process can be lengthy: The Nexus Card application process can take several months, and it requires you to provide a lot of personal information.
  • Not all border crossings have Nexus lanes: Not all land border crossings and airports have Nexus lanes, so you may not always be able to use your Nexus Card to expedite your border crossing.
  • Must be a low-risk traveler: To be eligible for a Nexus Card, you must be a low-risk traveler. This means that you must have a clean criminal record and no outstanding warrants.

Overall

The Nexus Card can be a great way to save time and hassle when crossing the border between the United States and Canada. However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of applying for a Nexus Card before you decide if it is right for you.



   










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