Ottawa: The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has announced new deadlines for applicants of “Nexus,” a travel card that provides expedited clearance for travel between Canada and the United States. The agency stated that starting April 1, 2027, applicants must schedule their enrolment interview within two years of receiving conditional approval. This updates the temporary five-year timeframe that was extended due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Applicants who receive conditional approval before April 1, 2027, must complete their interview within five years of their approval date or by April 1, 2029, whichever comes first. The CBSA urged those currently awaiting an interview to book their appointments as soon as possible so their applications do not expire. After submitting an application, prospective travelers must undergo interviews with both the CBSA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This process includes fingerprinting, identity verification, and questioning by officers from both agencies.
Nexus cards streamline the border clearance process between Canada and the U.S., allowing cardholders to use dedicated priority lanes at designated points of entry. Additionally, members gain access to TSA PreCheck and Global Entry benefits in the United States. Valid for five years, Nexus memberships carry an application fee of US$120, though the fee is waived for children.
Meanwhile, Nexus applications from Canada dropped by nearly 50 percent in 2025 amid trade policies introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump. While 695,533 Canadians applied for membership in 2024, that number fell to 344,257 in 2025.
