The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) say that work is underway to increase the NEXUS application fee from US$50 to US$120 effective October 1. The increase is subject to approval of regulatory amendments in the United States and Canada.
The NEXUS program is designed to speed up border crossings for frequent travellers from Canada and the United States. Since 2002, the bilateral trusted traveller program has expedited the crossing of pre-screened travellers, allowing border officers to focus more attention on stopping illegal activities and criminals.
The organizations says the current fee, set over 20 years ago, no longer covers the cost of the program. The new fee would more accurately reflect the cost of administrating the program and the investment required for future program improvements, including technology and infrastructure enhancements. CBSA and CBP say the new pricing would work out to US$24 per year for the 5-year membership.
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(Photo Credit: NEXUS Canada)
Since April 2023, there have been over 510,000 NEXUS, and CBSA and CBP says they are completing almost 10,000 interviews every two weeks. They contend that the proposed increase would help keep up with the high demand for the program and continue to improve NEXUS.
Applicants are encouraged to book their interview as soon as possible to avoid the price increase. Appointments are available on the Trusted Traveller Programs System. CBSA and CBP say many enrollment centres offer next-day availability for scheduling interviews, allowing applicants to book their appointments quickly.
In anticipation of an increase in demand between now and October, the CBSA and U.S. CBP remain ready to process applications and will continue to make interviews available.
Over the past year, the CBSA and U.S. CBP have improved the program’s function in several ways:
· Reduced the inventory of NEXUS interviews by 25% since July 2022.
· Expanded hours of service at enrolment centres in both Canada and the U.S. to increase the availability of interview appointments.
· Introduced split interviews at land enrollment centres, offering additional interview options for applicants.
· Reopened Canadian airport enrolment centres for two-step interviews.
· Provided flexibility for applicants to complete the interview process, while encouraging them to complete their interviews as soon as possible.
Applicants who have submitted their application and paid the US$50 fee, but have not completed their enrolment interviews by October 1, 2024, will not have to pay the proposed US$120 fee.
The NEXUS program currently has over 1.8 million members and Canadians make up the majority.
PHOTO: Canada Border Services is gearing up for a busy summer season. (Photo courtesy of Canada Border Services Agency/CBSA) (Photo Credit: Canada Border Services Agency / CBSA)
NEXUS cards allow members to:
· Use self-serve NEXUS kiosks or eGates when entering Canada at nine major international airports.
· Use dedicated vehicle lanes at 20 designated land border crossings.
· Use U.S. Global Entry kiosks for entry into the U.S.
· Receive expedited clearance through CATSA security screening lines at major and select mid-sized airports in Canada.
· Receive expedited clearance through the U.S. Transportation Security Administration Pre-Check lines at over 200 participating U.S. airports.
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