Requirements for a NEXUS card in Canada in 2026

The NEXUS program is a trusted traveller initiative that allows pre-approved, low-risk travellers to cross the Canada–United States border more quickly and with less friction. It is jointly administered by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), making it one of the few border programs that requires approval from both countries.

If you regularly travel between Canada and the United States — whether by land, air or sea — a NEXUS card can significantly reduce your wait times at the border. However, the application process involves background checks, biometric collection and an in-person interview, so it is important to prepare your documents carefully before you begin.

What this procedure is and what it’s for

The NEXUS program grants pre-approved travellers expedited entry into both Canada and the United States. Members can use dedicated NEXUS lanes at land border crossings, self-serve kiosks at participating airports, and telephone reporting when arriving by pleasure boat.

The program is open to Canadian and American citizens, as well as permanent residents of Canada and lawful permanent residents of the United States. You cannot apply if you have a criminal record, have violated customs or immigration laws, or are otherwise considered inadmissible to either country.

The program is jointly run by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) on the Canadian side and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on the American side. Applications are submitted through the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) online portal, managed by CBP.

Documents required

You must provide documents that prove your identity, citizenship or immigration status, and residency. Both original documents and legible copies may be required at different stages. Bring originals to your in-person interview.

For Canadian citizens

• Valid Canadian passport (original; must be valid for the duration of the NEXUS membership)
• Proof of Canadian citizenship if your passport is not available (e.g., Canadian birth certificate or citizenship certificate)
• Proof of current address (e.g., utility bill, bank statement or government correspondence dated within the last 90 days)
• Driver’s licence (provincial or territorial, as a secondary identity document)

For Canadian permanent residents

• Valid passport from your country of citizenship (original)
• Permanent Resident (PR) card (original)
• Proof of current Canadian address (e.g., utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 90 days)
• Driver’s licence (provincial or territorial, as a secondary identity document)

For U.S. citizens or U.S. lawful permanent residents applying from Canada

• Valid U.S. passport or U.S. passport card (original)
• U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) if applicable (original)
• Proof of current address in the United States or Canada
• Driver’s licence as a secondary identity document

Additional notes

• Documents in a language other than English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation.
• There is no apostille requirement for Canadian documents used within this program, but all foreign documents must be official government-issued originals.
• Minors (under 18) must have a parent or legal guardian complete the application on their behalf and must appear in person with the accompanying adult.

Steps to complete the procedure

1. Create an account on the TTP portal. Go to ttp.cbp.dhs.gov and create a Trusted Traveler Programs account. This is the official CBP portal used for NEXUS applications from both Canada and the United States.

2. Complete the online application. Fill in your personal information, travel history, employment history, and answer eligibility questions. You will be asked to disclose any criminal history or immigration violations.

3. Pay the application fee. The fee is paid online by credit card at the time of application submission (see the Fees and timelines section below).

4. Wait for conditional approval. Both CBSA and CBP will conduct background checks. This can take several weeks. You will receive a notification through the TTP portal when a decision is made.

5. Schedule your in-person interview. If conditionally approved, you must book an interview at a NEXUS enrolment centre. Enrolment centres are located at major land border crossings and some airports across Canada. You can book through the TTP portal.

6. Attend your interview and provide biometrics. Bring all original documents listed above. A CBSA or CBP officer will verify your documents, collect your fingerprints and take an iris scan. The interview itself is typically brief (15–30 minutes) if your documents are in order.

7. Receive your NEXUS card. If approved after the interview, your NEXUS card will be mailed to the address on file. Processing time after the interview varies (see below).

Note: An appointment is mandatory for the in-person interview. Walk-ins are not accepted at enrolment centres.

Fees and timelines

• Application fee: CAD $50 (approximately USD $50 for U.S. applicants) for a five-year membership. Children under 18 pay the same fee.
• Payment method: Credit card, paid online through the TTP portal at the time of application.
• Background check processing time: Typically 2 to 6 weeks after submission, though it can take longer depending on application volume and the complexity of your history.
• Interview wait times: Vary significantly by enrolment centre location and time of year. In busy periods, wait times for an interview appointment can range from a few weeks to several months.
• Card delivery after interview: Approximately 2 to 4 weeks by mail after final approval.
• Membership validity: 5 years from the date of approval.
• Renewal: You can renew your NEXUS membership through the TTP portal up to 6 months before your card expires. Renewing early does not shorten your current membership period.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Submitting an application with an expired or soon-to-expire passport. Your passport must remain valid for the entire five-year membership period. If your passport expires before your NEXUS card, you will need to update your travel document information with CBSA and CBP, which can cause complications. Always use a passport with sufficient validity.

• Failing to disclose past criminal charges or immigration issues. The background check is thorough and covers both Canadian and U.S. records. Omitting information — even for minor offences or charges that were withdrawn — can result in automatic denial and may affect future applications. Disclose everything and let the officers assess eligibility.

• Bringing photocopies instead of original documents to the interview. The in-person interview requires original government-issued documents. Photocopies are not accepted as substitutes at this stage. Prepare a folder with all originals well in advance of your appointment.

• Missing or rescheduling the interview appointment without proper notice. If you miss your scheduled interview without cancelling in advance through the TTP portal, your application may be closed and you may need to reapply and pay the fee again. Cancel or reschedule as early as possible if your plans change.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use my NEXUS card instead of a passport when crossing the border? Yes. A NEXUS card is accepted as a travel document for entry into Canada and the United States at land border crossings and marine ports of entry. However, it is not valid for international air travel to destinations other than Canada and the United States. Always carry your passport for international trips.

What happens if I have a minor criminal record? A criminal record does not result in automatic disqualification, but it is assessed on a case-by-case basis by both CBSA and CBP. Certain offences — particularly those that would make you inadmissible to the United States — will result in denial. If you have a record, you are still encouraged to apply, but you should be prepared for the possibility of denial and should disclose all relevant history honestly.

Do I need to reapply if I get a new passport during my NEXUS membership? Yes. You must update your travel document information in the TTP portal when you renew your passport. You do not need to reapply for NEXUS, but failing to update your passport details can cause issues at the border.

Can Canadian permanent residents apply for NEXUS? Yes. Canadian permanent residents are eligible to apply, provided they also meet U.S. admissibility requirements. You will need to bring your valid PR card and passport to the interview.

Where are NEXUS enrolment centres located in Canada? Enrolment centres are located at several major land border crossings (such as Douglas/Peace Arch in British Columbia, and Pearson International Airport in Ontario) and at some airports. The full list of locations and their hours is available through the TTP portal when you book your interview appointment. Availability varies by region, so applicants in remote areas may need to travel to the nearest centre.

What to do next

The most important documents to prepare are your valid passport, proof of citizenship or immigration status (such as your PR card if applicable), and proof of current address. Your first concrete step is to create an account on the TTP portal at ttp.cbp.dhs.gov and begin your online application.

Requirements, fees and processing times for the NEXUS program can change. Always verify the current requirements directly with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at cbsa-asfc.gc.ca and with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at cbp.gov before submitting your application.