The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) recently announced that there will be adjustments to the rules for Canadian residents applying for the Nexus border crossing card, commonly known as the “trusted traveler card,” as the temporary measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic come to an end. The appointment window for interviews will be reduced to 2 years.
According to a press release issued by CBSA on October 1st, starting from April 1st, 2027, the joint border fast-track program introduced by both Canada and the United States will revert to its original rules: applicants must schedule their interview appointment within 2 years of receiving “conditional approval.”
Previously, due to work disruptions caused by the pandemic leading to severe delays in interview appointments, CBSA had extended the appointment window to 5 years. The return to a 2-year timeframe signifies a return to normalcy for this policy.
“With the increase in interview capacity, we will be reverting back to the two-year appointment window,” stated CBSA.
For applicants who have already received conditional approval before April 1st, 2027, CBSA mentioned that the appointment window remains valid for up to 5 years from the date of approval, but no later than April 1st, 2029, whichever occurs earlier.
For applicants currently awaiting interviews, the border agency recommends scheduling an appointment as soon as possible to avoid application expiration.
The Nexus fast-track program, operated jointly by CBSA and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), aims to provide convenience to pre-screened travelers deemed “low-risk” to facilitate quick border crossings between Canada and the USA within a 5-year validity period.
Applicants are required to pay a non-refundable $120 background check service fee as per Nexus regulations. In return, Nexus members receive expedited border crossing privileges when entering Canada and the U.S. by air, land, or water. For minor applicants (under 18 years old), the fee is waived if their parents or legal guardians are already members or are applying concurrently.
Interviews conducted by the Canadian side (CBSA) will take place at Nexus enrollment centers, while the U.S. side (CBP) offers interview facilities at CBP enrollment centers or through the “Enrolment on Arrival” service available at select international airports.
CBSA mentioned in their latest press release, “The interview process includes identity verification, fingerprint collection, and on-the-spot questioning by border officials from both Canada and the U.S.”