U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced plans for a NEXUS enrollment workshop at Grand Portage, Minnesota in April.
NEXUS is a bi-national, Canada-United States program for pre-approved, low-risk travellers entering Canada or the United States at designated air, land and marine ports of entry.
The program enables its members to enter either country more quickly and easily.
Although there is currently no NEXUS vehicle lane at the Pigeon River border crossing, there is one at the Fort Frances/International Falls crossing.
NEXUS can also be used at numerous U.S. and Canadian airports including both airports in Toronto and at Winnipeg's airport.
Enrollment provides the additional benefit of access to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration's TSA Pre Check, offering expedited screening through airport security checkpoints including being able to leave shoes, light outerwear and belts on, and not having to remove laptops from carrying cases.
The NEXUS process starts with an application—available online—followed by a background investigation and an in-person interview including a risk assessment.
CBP is advising individuals who have not yet applied, and who plan to attend the April workshop at Grand Portage, to start their application immediately. Applications not completed by March 16 may not be processed in time for an in-person interview.
The scheduled dates for interviews are April 27 and 28. CBP and Canada Border Services agents will both be conducting interviews with NEXUS applicants.
The current application fee is $50.
Successful applicants will enjoy NEXUS privileges for five years.
