Your Guide to NEXUS Interviews

To be approved for NEXUS, you'll go through a multi step application process. First you submit an online application, provide citizenship documents, you pay a $50 fee, and lastly, you schedule an in-person interview.

When it comes time for that last step – the interview — you may be wondering how to prepare. In this article we'll breakdown what you need to know so you feel confident going into it.

What do you need to bring to a NEXUS interview?

When you arrive at your interview, you'll need to bring the originals of the documents you provided in your application that confirm your identity.

These documents may include:

• Passport
• Citizenship card
• Birth certificate
• Driver's license
• Registration title and papers for the vehicle that you intend to use for crossing the border
• Proof of custody for child/children under 18 years
• NEXUS approval letter

As part of the in person interview, you'll be fingerprinted. If you'll be using your NEXUS member card at an airport, you'll also need an iris scan in addition to the above documents. Note that iris scans are not available at all enrollment locations.

What questions are asked at a NEXUS interview?

No matter your citizenship, two border patrol officers will be conducting your interview — one from the U.S. and one from Canada. Questions will vary depending on the enrollment center you visit, but expect to spend about 30 minutes in this interview.

Some frequently asked questions are:

• Where do you think you'll travel to in the U.S./Canada?
• Why do you want a NEXUS card?
• Is this your current address?
• Do you have any other names you were known as in the past?
• Have there been any changes to this information since you first submitted your application? This could include a recent criminal charge, a change of name due to marital status, etc.

How long does it take to get a NEXUS card after an interview?

According to the Trusted Travel Program website, it may take approximately 10 days to receive your NEXUS card in the mail after your interview. Once received, you should follow the steps provided in the letter and activate your card online.

Are there special rules for child interviews?

Applicants under the age of 18 must be present at the interview with parents. When you schedule your interview online, you'll need to make appointments for each member of your family. You'll need consent from both parents as well as the original proof of identity documents (such as a birth certificate) for each child applicant.

Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and have permission from both parents when traveling across the border. It's worth noting that single parents typically have to provide a notarized letter of consent from the other parent before allowing the child to cross the U.S. or Canada border.

How long is the NEXUS approval process?

According to the Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) website as of May 2023, the NEXUS approval process could take as long as 12 to 14 months.

It's important to note that completing a NEXUS interview does not guarantee approval. Membership may be denied if the applicant provides false or incomplete information or has been convicted of a criminal offense among other reasons. You'll want to consult Custom and Border Protection's Website for all up-to-date information regarding the application process.

Can I speed up my NEXUS application process?

There is really no way of speeding up the full NEXUS application process. The best way to keep things moving is to have all your documents up to date, fill out the application completely and check your TTP dashboard often to keep an eye on the status of the approval process.

In summary

Having a NEXUS card is especially beneficial to those who travel frequently between the U.S. and Canada. The NEXUS program offers a convenient and efficient way for eligible travelers to cross the border.

In order to complete the NEXUS application process, you must schedule an in-person interview. This interview will be conducted by customs and immigration officers from both the U.S. and Canada.

Once holding their Nexus card, members can enjoy shorter wait times, dedicated lanes and a streamlined entry process at the border.