NEXUS Card from Canada: Eligibility, How to Apply and Processing Time
In this guide
What is NEXUS? NEXUS is a trusted traveller program run jointly by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for travel by air, land and boat between Canada and the United States. New permanent residents often ask about it because there is a residency test. Here is what the CBSA says about eligibility and the application.
Quick answer
- U.S. and Canadian citizens may apply. Mexican nationals who are Viajero Confiable members may also apply.
- Permanent residents must have been legal residents of Canada or the U.S. for at least 3 years, and physically present at least 183 of 365 days in each of the 3 years before applying.
- Applications are online only, and an in-person interview is required.
- CBSA says an application may be processed within 30 business days of receipt if properly completed, not counting interview scheduling.
Who is eligible?
| Group | What CBSA states |
|---|---|
| Citizens and nationals | U.S. and Canadian citizens; Mexican nationals who are Viajero Confiable members |
| Permanent residents | At least 3 years as a legal resident of Canada or the U.S., and at least 183 days of physical presence in each of the 3 years before applying. The count runs back from the application date, not by calendar year |
| Exemptions | People serving in the American armed forces abroad, and family members of people serving in the Canadian or American armed forces or in a diplomatic or consular post abroad |
You must also be admissible to Canada and the U.S., give true and complete information and not have violated customs, immigration or agriculture laws. A criminal conviction in any country without a pardon may make you ineligible; CBSA gives impaired driving as an example. CBSA sets no minimum or maximum age, and says minors can be enrolled even if their parents or guardians are not members. See also criminal rehabilitation.
How do you apply?
- Read the Canadian and U.S. privacy statements and the terms and conditions.
- Apply online through the U.S. CBP Trusted Traveler Programs system. Paper forms are no longer accepted. Sign in with a Login.gov account.
- Pay the application processing fee in the system. CBSA’s page does not state the amount.
- Attend an in-person interview.
Interview appointments depend on availability at enrolment centres, and CBSA notes a “significant backlog for new applicants”. Using a for-profit company is optional; CBSA says it may add charges, cause delays or lead to denial, and will not speed things up.
How long does it take?
CBSA says your application may be processed within 30 business days of receipt, only if it is properly completed, and that this does not include scheduling the interview. The page does not state how long a NEXUS membership is valid, so check before you rely on a date.
Common mistakes
- Applying before meeting the 3-year and 183-day test.
- Paying a third-party company that promises to be faster.
- Leaving out a past conviction.
- Counting calendar years instead of the 365-day periods before your application.
FAQ
Do I need a NEXUS card to enter Canada after moving?
No. See our guide to the customs declaration and the moving abroad checklist.
Can children get NEXUS?
CBSA says minors can be enrolled even if parents are not members.
Key takeaways
- Permanent residents need 3 years of residence and 183 days a year of presence.
- Apply online only, then interview in person.
- Avoid paid middlemen.
Related guides
- Canada customs declaration card
- Canada eTA guide
- Renew or replace your Canada PR card
- Moving abroad checklist
- Your first 90 days in a new country
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Check CBSA before you apply.
Sources
- Canada Border Services Agency: NEXUS, who is eligible
- Canada Border Services Agency: NEXUS, how to apply