Questions about getting a NEXUS card

[bluecanary]

I’ve read good things about Nexus, but I’m not even sure if it would be for someone like me. I don’t travel to Canada often, but when I do, I would like it to be as smooth and pain-free as possible, and the card is only $50 or so. I only go about once per year right now to visit my boyfriend, but I don’t want to be hassled in the future. I have anxiety and I’m paranoid about getting denied in the future and want to cut down on those chances as much as possible.

1. What reasons for applying do you have to provide to be approved for a Nexus card? Is it a bad idea to say my reason for wanting a Nexus card is to visit my boyfriend in Canada? Is there something else I should say?

2. Do you have to be someone who travels back and forth to/from Canada frequently?

3. The first time I visited him in Canada, I was held up at Vancouver Intl. for questioning and searching, but was allowed through 45 minutes later. Would this be a problem when applying for Nexus? Both of my visits to Canada since the first one have been fine, thankfully.

 

[yijiequ]

I have a NEXUS since 2007. as I live at a border town close to the US. sometimes i go there just to fill up my tank and go shopping regularly. lol. yes.. i probably have visited the US for up to 100 times for the past 10 years. sometimes just 5 minutes for gas.


yes. NEXUS can cut down the wait time.. also qualified you for TSA precheck and the Canadian one at the airport. I fly a lot every year..

you have to go thru an interview by both CBSA and CBP... i think mentioning about seeing a boyfriend or not use frequently might get you denied. this is called a frequently trusted travelers program. not intended for once or twice usage. but just like all the other stuff; it's all depended on how you said it. lol. why didnt you see you need a TSA precheck. TSA precheck was merged into Nexus couple of years ago.

your last question? if you gonna travel with someone else; everyone has to have a NEXUS card; otherwise you cant use it on the NEXUS lane.


lol.. I also used NEXUS lane on the Mexico side a few times; cuz i go down there for dental tourism too; but i usually walk from San Yisdro, CA side to Mexico.


Although I do believe the entire NEXUS program is administrated by the department of Homeland Security; Canada does not have a say.. it's DHS approves you or not... your background check is done by DHS.

I’ve read good things about Nexus, but I’m not even sure if it would be for someone like me. I don’t travel to Canada often, but when I do, I would like it to be as smooth and pain-free as possible, and the card is only $50 or so. I only go about once per year right now to visit my boyfriend, but I don’t want to be hassled in the future. I have anxiety and I’m paranoid about getting denied in the future and want to cut down on those chances as much as possible.

1. What reasons for applying do you have to provide to be approved for a Nexus card? Is it a bad idea to say my reason for wanting a Nexus card is to visit my boyfriend in Canada? Is there something else I should say?

2. Do you have to be someone who travels back and forth to/from Canada frequently?

3. The first time I visited him in Canada, I was held up at Vancouver Intl. for questioning and searching, but was allowed through 45 minutes later. Would this be a problem when applying for Nexus? Both of my visits to Canada since the first one have been fine, thankfully.

 

[bluecanary]

Well I live very close to the Ontario border, so if I had Nexus, I would also be more willing to go over to Windsor for day trips that have nothing to do with visiting my boyfriend. Would it be more appropriate to say I would like to use the card for this purpose? I realize I'm pretty far out of my element with this and I've been trying to research it for a while, sorry for my ignorance :-[

 

[Aquakitty]

Well I live very close to the Ontario border, so if I had Nexus, I would also be more willing to go over to Windsor for day trips that have nothing to do with visiting my boyfriend. Would it be more appropriate to say I would like to use the card for this purpose? I realize I'm pretty far out of my element with this and I've been trying to research it for a while, sorry for my ignorance :-[

I think I said I want to go to the US and pick up packages easier. BTW, never say "packages" to the border guards .

Where did you hear it's bad to mention a relationship as the reason for travelling? I really don't remember exactly what we put, but my husband definitely mentioned he has a wife in Canada.

By far the worst part of getting the card was the wait for the interview. This was a few years ago so maybe they have a better system now, but at the time you had to use an online calendar to pick your appointment time. When we did it there were no appointments available for 6 months. Only later did we realise new appointments can pop up any time so you have to look every day and you can get one much faster.
I'm sure they must have changed that sh*tty system by now though.

 

[bluecanary]

I think I said I want to go to the US and pick up packages easier. BTW, never say "packages" to the border guards .

Where did you hear it's bad to mention a relationship as the reason for travelling? I really don't remember exactly what we put, but my husband definitely mentioned he has a wife in Canada.

By far the worst part of getting the card was the wait for the interview. This was a few years ago so maybe they have a better system now, but at the time you had to use an online calendar to pick your appointment time. When we did it there were no appointments available for 6 months. Only later did we realise new appointments can pop up any time so you have to look every day and you can get one much faster.
I'm sure they must have changed that sh*tty system by now though.

I'm just concerned that "wanting to visit my boyfriend" is a bad reason for applying for Nexus because CBP and CBSA might think it's sketchy or something... also 'yijiequ' above thought the same, so now I'm a tad more concerned, lol. I know that it's sometimes tougher to cross the border when you mention visiting a significant other, and I wondered if this applies to Nexus as well.

What kind of questions did they ask in the interview, if you remember?

 

[Aquakitty]

I'm just concerned that "wanting to visit my boyfriend" is a bad reason for applying for Nexus because CBP and CBSA might think it's sketchy or something... also 'yijiequ' above thought the same, so now I'm a tad more concerned, lol. I know that it's sometimes tougher to cross the border when you mention visiting a significant other, and I wondered if this applies to Nexus as well.

What kind of questions did they ask in the interview, if you remember?

I just asked my husband about it and now I remember more about this, he's the American.

My interview was straight-forward. Just generic questions like "have you ever been fingerprinted", "why do you want a Nexus card" etc.
My husband's interview was weirder. When they asked him why he wants a Nexus card, he told them because his wife's family is in Canada, and his family is in California. Apparently they asked him what MY birth date was. He was nervous and assuming the interview was about him, so he kept giving his own birth date as my birth date. He said most of the questions were about me. However, they didn't ask how long he planned to visit or anything of that nature. So I don't know, it's almost like they thought he was lying about having a wife, or maybe because I am older than him they thought the dates were wrong. They didn't seem concerned about the actual travelling to Canada part.

This site has the Nexus questions: http://canada.immigrationvisaforms.com/canada-travel-program-forms/nexus-interview

 

[mikeymyke]

Honestly you're worrying too much for nothing. As a US citizen, you probably have the easiest time entering Canada than any other nation. You don't even need to apply for the NEXUS thing, although it would help. Also there's nothing wrong with wanting to enter Canada to visit your boyfriend, they won't refuse someone entry because of this. They refuse because they feel he/she won't leave Canada before the visa expires. This usually happens if someone tries to enter with lots of luggage, cannot give clear explanations as to what they will be doing or where to stay, or has a history of immigration violations.

You should just simply go to the border and ask you'd like to visit your b/f, and that you won't overstay your visit. Simple as that.

 

[Decoy24601]

Honestly you're worrying too much for nothing. As a US citizen, you probably have the easiest time entering Canada than any other nation. You don't even need to apply for the NEXUS thing. Also there's nothing wrong with wanting to enter Canada to visit your boyfriend, they won't refuse someone entry because of this. They refuse because they feel he/she won't leave Canada before the visa expires. This usually happens if someone tries to enter with lots of luggage, or has a history of violations.

You should just simply go to the border and ask you'd like to visit your b/f, and that you won't overstay your visit. Simple as that.

Actually, yes, they can refuse you because of this. I went to visit my husband while we were still dating and had a really bad time at the border for not having a job in the US and I was given a voluntary withdrawal. I had no history of violations and one very small suitcase and backpack with me. The CBSA officer kept fixating on how my boyfriend and I had met online, even though we had obviously met in person before. She seemed to be very judgmental of the relationship and me. It all depends on the individual officer and his/her mood. That officer even said it was normal procedure at that crossing and they do this with all couples trying to visit each other (different wording, same meaning). However, she seized my passport and let me in for 3 days (I asked for a month) before giving me the voluntary withdrawal.

That being said, the first time I visited my boyfriend I asked for 3 months and didn't have an issue (I left a month early). It's up to the whims of the individual officer.

 

[bluecanary]

I just asked my husband about it and now I remember more about this, he's the American.

My interview was straight-forward. Just generic questions like "have you ever been fingerprinted", "why do you want a Nexus card" etc.
My husband's interview was weirder. When they asked him why he wants a Nexus card, he told them because his wife's family is in Canada, and his family is in California. Apparently they asked him what MY birth date was. He was nervous and assuming the interview was about him, so he kept giving his own birth date as my birth date. He said most of the questions were about me. However, they didn't ask how long he planned to visit or anything of that nature. So I don't know, it's almost like they thought he was lying about having a wife, or maybe because I am older than him they thought the dates were wrong. They didn't seem concerned about the actual travelling to Canada part.

This site has the Nexus questions: http://canada.immigrationvisaforms.com/canada-travel-program-forms/nexus-interview

Thanks for this, Aquakitty

 

[bluecanary]

Honestly you're worrying too much for nothing. As a US citizen, you probably have the easiest time entering Canada than any other nation. You don't even need to apply for the NEXUS thing, although it would help. Also there's nothing wrong with wanting to enter Canada to visit your boyfriend, they won't refuse someone entry because of this. They refuse because they feel he/she won't leave Canada before the visa expires. This usually happens if someone tries to enter with lots of luggage, cannot give clear explanations as to what they will be doing or where to stay, or has a history of immigration violations.

You should just simply go to the border and ask you'd like to visit your b/f, and that you won't overstay your visit. Simple as that.

You’re probably right that I’m worrying a bit too much… that’s something I have a problem with, haha. I’m definitely thankful that US/CAN couples generally have an easier time. But like Decoy said, I’ve seen a lot posts where people are denied entry at the border because they don’t have significant proof of ties to the US, i.e a job or property/lease. I have neither of those. That is mainly why I’m worried about this. I feel that I was lucky the 2/3 times I got through to Canada without trouble.

 

[Decoy24601]

You’re probably right that I’m worrying a bit too much… that’s something I have a problem with, haha. I’m definitely thankful that US/CAN couples generally have an easier time. But like Decoy said, I’ve seen a lot posts where people are denied entry at the border because they don’t have significant proof of ties to the US, i.e a job or property/lease. I have neither of those. That is mainly why I’m worried about this. I feel that I was lucky the 2/3 times I got through to Canada without trouble.

Well, there's still a fair chance that you won't have an issue. It just depends. The bad experience I have had was at the Peace Arch crossing. When I crossed at YVR airport and by train at the Pacific Central Station in Vancouver, I had no issues. If you don't have strong ties to the US I would not recommend using major land crossings such as the Peace Arch. A lot of the stories similar to mine that I've heard were at that crossing and ones like it. The only ties I had to the US for my airport crossing was university plans for after those 3 months and I didn't get a secondary. With the train crossing I technically still had a job and was married and gathering documents for a PR application. I was questioned a lot about my ties until the CBSA officer asked if we were going to do sponsorship and I explained that we were going to send off a PR application soon. After that his attitude changed a little and he didn't question us much. From my experience and what I've heard/read, if you are married then you tend to have a little bit of an easier time with CBSA officers. I still would always be truthful in telling them the purpose of your visit (you're visiting your boyfriend).

Still, at worst, you'll most likely only be given a "voluntary withdrawal". It's something you'll still have to mention on a PR application, but it shouldn't cause you any issues. You still have to convince a CBSA officer that you have enough ties to the US and won't overstay, and while that is usually not too difficult, it can be, so it's best to be prepared.

I just wanted to make a point that just because someone is a US citizen doesn't mean they get a free pass from being hassled at the border. I've read of plenty of US citizens being given hard times at land crossings.

Having a NEXUS generally does make you less likely to be pulled in for a secondary, from what I've seen. It's nice to have anyways since you get to use the NEXUS lane, so I don't see why you shouldn't get it. I wish I had.

 

[bluecanary]

Well, there's still a fair chance that you won't have an issue. It just depends. The bad experience I have had was at the Peace Arch crossing. When I crossed at YVR airport and by train at the Pacific Central Station in Vancouver, I had no issues. If you don't have strong ties to the US I would not recommend using major land crossings such as the Peace Arch. A lot of the stories similar to mine that I've heard were at that crossing and ones like it. The only ties I had to the US for my airport crossing was university plans for after those 3 months and I didn't get a secondary. With the train crossing I technically still had a job and was married and gathering documents for a PR application. I was questioned a lot about my ties until the CBSA officer asked if we were going to do sponsorship and I explained that we were going to send off a PR application soon. After that his attitude changed a little and he didn't question us much. From my experience and what I've heard/read, if you are married then you tend to have a little bit of an easier time with CBSA officers. I still would always be truthful in telling them the purpose of your visit (you're visiting your boyfriend).

Still, at worst, you'll most likely only be given a "voluntary withdrawal". It's something you'll still have to mention on a PR application, but it shouldn't cause you any issues. You still have to convince a CBSA officer that you have enough ties to the US and won't overstay, and while that is usually not too difficult, it can be, so it's best to be prepared.

I just wanted to make a point that just because someone is a US citizen doesn't mean they get a free pass from being hassled at the border. I've read of plenty of US citizens being given hard times at land crossings.

Having a NEXUS generally does make you less likely to be pulled in for a secondary, from what I've seen. It's nice to have anyways since you get to use the NEXUS lane, so I don't see why you shouldn't get it. I wish I had.

It's stressful not knowing what kind of officer you're gonna get next, lol. I was interrogated and had my bag raided and phone taken away at Vancouver Intl. Airport the first time, had a very friendly guy at Toronto Pearson let me in right away the second time, then had a bored-looking guy at Vancouver again who barely asked me any questions the third time. I almost feel like I'm due for another bad experience.

I'm glad that even being denied shouldn't hurt when we eventually apply for sponsorship. I'm really considering going for NEXUS, just gonna research some more. Thanks for the post, Decoy.

 

[Decoy24601]

It's stressful not knowing what kind of officer you're gonna get next, lol. I was interrogated and had my bag raided and phone taken away at Vancouver Intl. Airport the first time, had a very friendly guy at Toronto Pearson let me in right away the second time, then had a bored-looking guy at Vancouver again who barely asked me any questions the third time. I almost feel like I'm due for another bad experience.

I'm glad that even being denied shouldn't hurt when we eventually apply. I'm really considering going for NEXUS, just gonna research some more. Thanks for the post, Decoy.

Wow, I'm lucky that didn't happen to me then. The time I crossed at YVR I had a bored-looking guard too who seemed to be just about retiring age. He asked questions, but it was more oriented around my boyfriend and what he did for work etc.

No problem. Any voluntary withdrawal you may receive shouldn't harm your application and there's nothing wrong with getting NEXUS card. They can be useful. You've also done the right thing by being truthful about visiting your boyfriend. I had plenty of people give me advice to lie and say anything other than I was visiting my boyfriend, but that would have just ended up causing more issues I'm sure.

 

[yijiequ]

well... just 50.00... but i bet the person interviews you know all the travel history. if it was logged.

for those people who are interested in CBSA, you can always catch this show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8swRed45QU

 

[yijiequ]

I got pulled into secondary twice CAD, twice US.. that's out of 100+ trips.
i had a rental car before. both times were all quick.. around 15 mins ..

lol.. they cant find anything obviously. because i usually bring nothing, not even a backpack..
CAD one was I declared 35.00 food.. that's all I bought; something came up and I needed to go back right away.
too low is a problem, because most of people usually buy at least 150.00 worth of the stuff here at BC border, even if it's a few hours visit.

Last year, I walked by from Tijuana, Mexico side on Nexus lane back to San Yisdro.. i think the CBP officer thought I was a Mexican.. spoke to me in Spanish. I replied that I couldnt understand; then I was asked to be sat in the secondary. I looked around; I was probably the only Asian in the entire border crossing. literally didn't see another one. they took my ID; after 5 mins.. told me you can go now. not even a question was asked.. lol. without the NEXUS card; i might have to wait 2 hours at the land crossing there.

Well, there's still a fair chance that you won't have an issue. It just depends. The bad experience I have had was at the Peace Arch crossing. When I crossed at YVR airport and by train at the Pacific Central Station in Vancouver, I had no issues. If you don't have strong ties to the US I would not recommend using major land crossings such as the Peace Arch. A lot of the stories similar to mine that I've heard were at that crossing and ones like it. The only ties I had to the US for my airport crossing was university plans for after those 3 months and I didn't get a secondary. With the train crossing I technically still had a job and was married and gathering documents for a PR application. I was questioned a lot about my ties until the CBSA officer asked if we were going to do sponsorship and I explained that we were going to send off a PR application soon. After that his attitude changed a little and he didn't question us much. From my experience and what I've heard/read, if you are married then you tend to have a little bit of an easier time with CBSA officers. I still would always be truthful in telling them the purpose of your visit (you're visiting your boyfriend).

Still, at worst, you'll most likely only be given a "voluntary withdrawal". It's something you'll still have to mention on a PR application, but it shouldn't cause you any issues. You still have to convince a CBSA officer that you have enough ties to the US and won't overstay, and while that is usually not too difficult, it can be, so it's best to be prepared.

I just wanted to make a point that just because someone is a US citizen doesn't mean they get a free pass from being hassled at the border. I've read of plenty of US citizens being given hard times at land crossings.

Having a NEXUS generally does make you less likely to be pulled in for a secondary, from what I've seen. It's nice to have anyways since you get to use the NEXUS lane, so I don't see why you shouldn't get it. I wish I had.