If you are a frequent traveller living in Canada and you don't have Nexus, you are doing yourself a disservice. Nexus for Canada is the same as Global Entry and TSA Pre✓ for the United States. I just found out two weeks ago but being approved for Nexus also automatically enrols you in TSA Pre✓ so you can bypass lines in both Canada and the US.
So back to what Nexus is. It is a pre-approved trusted traveler program that allows you to bypass regular long security and customs lines because Nexus holders have their own section. It is used for travel between Canada and the US, but you can use Nexus kiosks and bypass long customs lines when returning from an international trip. It can be used for air, land and marine ports of entry.
It costs $50USD per adult and children are free until 18. The application for Nexus is extensive and asks a lot of questions. Be prepared to remember everywhere you travelled for the last few years. You have to be approved and once approved you have to have an interview, where you get your picture and fingerprints taken. I did my interview at Toronto Pearson Airport. Once approved, it is valid for 5 years.
There are some credit cards that offer a rebate/credit for the Nexus application:
Rebating the $50 fee every 4 years:
- CIBC Aventura Gold Visa
- CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite
- American Express Gold Rewards
Rebating up to $125 every 4 years:
- American Express Platinum
- AMEX Aeroplan Reserve
- TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite
- TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege
If you are a frequent traveller or even if you travel a few times per year, I highly suggest to look into a Nexus. Since Covid the wait time for interviews are high, but the sooner you apply, the sooner you get in!
You can apply and find out more information here.