The NEXUS trusted traveller program allows pre-approved Canadians to use separate, faster lines when travelling to and from the United States. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) says 295,133 NEXUS applications have yet to be processed due to ongoing office closures prompted by COVID-19, and the NEXUS backlog has grown to over 330,000 applicants. The problem? U.S. enrolment centres reopened for interviews on April 19, but Canadian centres remain closed, with no word on when they will re-open. Despite the fact that the number of NEXUS applicants and renewals declined during the pandemic, the backlog continues to grow.
Many Canadians who are NEXUS pass holders also did not receive their renewal notices, and their NEXUS pass expired during the pandemic, and now they have to apply for a new one. CBSA issued a statement on the NEXUS backlog:
NEXUS is a joint program managed by both the Canada Border Services Agency and the United States Customs and Border Protection. Canada and the U.S. are in discussions about the timing of the reopening of Canadian enrolment centres.
The CBSA said existing NEXUS members who renew their membership before it expires will still be able to use their privileges.
Canada immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah explained,
NEXUS is relied on by many Canadians who cross the Canada/U.S. border regularly for work, and by many other Canadians who cross the border for their job, for holidays, for business or to make flight connections.
If your NEXUS pass is about to expire, it is essential that you renew your membership asap wo you don't face travel delays while the backlog is being cleared.
Do You Need Help With Your NEXUS Pass?
Benefits of the NEXUS trusted travel pass include:
- Avoid long lines and delays with access to expedited NEXUS-dedicated lanes in the United States and Canada
- Self-serve NEXUS kiosks at designated international airports
- Cross the border with expedited screening and without routine customs and immigration questioning
- Simplified car entry process using dedicated vehicle lanes at 21 designated land border crossings
- NEXUS card can be used in place of a passport if you are flying between the US and Canada
Your NEXUS application must be approved by both Canada and the United States customs and immigration departments. You may not be eligible for a NEXUS card based on your background and security check.
Don't waste time or money and risk having your NEXUS application delayed or denied due to an immigration issue, or because you forgot to renew it. An experienced immigration lawyer can help review your application and identify potential problems before they occur.
If you have questions about your NEXUS status or need help with your application so you or your team to cross the U.S. / Canada border on business, contact Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452-9515 or email contact@ackahlaw.com.
