NEXUS is a joint Canada–United States trusted traveller program that allows pre-approved, low-risk travellers to cross the Canada–US border faster. It is jointly run by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
NEXUS Benefits at a Glance
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Dedicated NEXUS lanes | Separate, faster lanes at major land border crossings |
| Airport kiosks | Automated processing kiosks at major Canadian airports (YYZ, YVR, YUL, YYC, and others) |
| Mobile Passport Control (US) | Eligible to use the CBP MPC app when entering the US |
| Iris recognition | Expedited processing via iris scan at enrolled airports |
| Global Entry use in the US | NEXUS members can use Global Entry kiosks at US airports when returning from international destinations |
How Much Does NEXUS Cost?
$50 CAD per person, valid for 5 years. Several Canadian credit cards reimburse this fee — see which cards reimburse the NEXUS fee.
Who Is Eligible for NEXUS?
NEXUS is open to Canadian and US citizens and permanent residents who:
- Are not inadmissible to Canada or the United States
- Have not been convicted of a criminal offence in either country
- Can demonstrate a pattern of legitimate travel (low-risk history)
- Are willing to provide biometric data (fingerprints and iris scan)
NEXUS is NOT available to citizens of countries other than Canada and the US (though you can still apply as a Canadian or US permanent resident).
How to Apply for NEXUS
- Create a Trusted Traveller Programs (TTP) account at ttp.cbp.dhs.gov (US CBP portal — available to both Canadians and Americans)
- Complete the application — personal details, travel history, employment, references
- Pay the $50 CAD fee online (pay with a credit card that offers NEXUS reimbursement to get it back as a statement credit)
- Conditional approval — if conditionally approved, schedule an in-person interview
- In-person interview at a NEXUS enrolment centre (typically at a land border crossing or major airport)
- Receive your NEXUS card — mailed within a few weeks after the interview
NEXUS Enrollment Centres in Canada
Major enrollment centres are at:
- Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ)
- Vancouver Airport (YVR)
- Montréal-Trudeau Airport (YUL)
- Major land border crossings (Peace Arch, Fort Erie, Windsor, Lansdowne, etc.)
Appointment wait times vary — during peak periods, waits can extend to 3–12 months. Book early.
NEXUS vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR
| Programme | For | Cost | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEXUS | Canadians + Americans | $50 CAD / 5 yr | Land + air border; includes Global Entry kiosk access |
| Global Entry | US citizens/residents | USD $100 / 5 yr | US airport re-entry only; no land border benefit |
| CLEAR | US only (airports) | USD $189/yr | US airport security biometric bypass |
For Canadians, NEXUS is the better choice over Global Entry — it costs less, covers land border crossings, and NEXUS members can use Global Entry kiosks in the US. See NEXUS vs. Global Entry for the full comparison.
Is NEXUS Worth It?
Yes, for frequent Canada–US travellers. At $50/5 years, the cost is minimal — and if you hold the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite or Amex Platinum Card, the card reimburses the fee, making NEXUS effectively free.
For anyone who crosses the Canada–US border 4+ times per year by land or air, the time savings at dedicated NEXUS lanes pay for themselves quickly.
Related Articles
- Which Cards Reimburse the NEXUS Fee?
- NEXUS vs. Global Entry for Canadians
- Best Credit Cards for Canadian Snowbirds
- Cross-Border Travel Cards Hub
NEXUS programme details current as of June 2026. For official information, visit cbsa-asfc.gc.ca and ttp.cbp.dhs.gov. See our Advertiser Disclosure.