Guide · Canada and United States

NEXUS, Global Entry, SENTRI and FAST: fees, validity and where they work

General information, not official or legal advice. Customs, immigration and border rules change and every situation is different. Check the linked official sources and the agency’s current page before you travel. This site is not affiliated with CBP, the CBSA, DHS or any government.

Steps

1. Programs differ by where they work: NEXUS for Canada-US lanes, kiosks and eGates, SENTRI for dedicated lanes at southern land ports, Global Entry for airports (and, per CBP, land borders), and FAST for commercial drivers.^{[9][10][1][11]}
2. Apply through the Trusted Traveler Programs system run by CBP; for NEXUS the CBSA shares in eligibility checks.^[2]
3. The CBSA and CBP publish a non-refundable application fee for each program; the CBSA says conditional approval follows, with the interview after that.^[1][2]
4. Interviews: the CBSA says NEXUS needs both a CBSA and a CBP interview; CBP says first-time Global Entry enrolment includes an in-person interview.^[6][1]
5. Activate your card; the CBSA says NEXUS members should always travel with a passport and/or proof of permanent residence in case they are required to prove citizenship or permanent residence status.^[7]

What each program is for

CBP lists five programs: TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST.^[5] Global Entry allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers arriving in the US, and is available at major US airports and, per CBP, usable at land borders.^[1] NEXUS allows pre-screened travelers expedited processing when entering the US and Canada; members use dedicated lanes at designated northern border ports, NEXUS kiosks entering Canada by air, and Global Entry kiosks entering the US through Canadian Preclearance airports.^[9] SENTRI allows expedited clearance via dedicated primary lanes at southern land border ports.^[10] FAST is a commercial clearance program for known low-risk shipments entering the US from Canada and Mexico, open to truck drivers from the US, Canada and Mexico.^[11]

Fees as published

The CBSA's main NEXUS page states a US$120 non-refundable application processing fee, valid for 5 years, with children under 18 free.^[2] The April 2024 CBSA/CBP news release described the increase from US$50 to US$120, effective October 1, 2024, as subject to regulatory approval.^[13] The CBP FAQ says the new fee and the fee exemption for applicants under 18 apply to applications received on or after October 1, 2024.^[3] The CBSA's NEXUS apply page, as displayed, does not state a fee.^[12] Check the application system for the amount you will actually be charged.

Processing and interview timing

CBP says Global Entry applications are mostly reviewed within two weeks while some can take up to 12 months or longer depending on criminal history, followed by an in-person interview for first-time enrolment; the interview can be done through Enrollment on Departure or Enrollment on Arrival.^[1] For NEXUS, conditionally approved applicants must schedule an interview with both CBSA and CBP; the CBSA portion happens at a NEXUS enrolment centre, and CBP's portion at a CBP enrolment centre or through Enrolment on Arrival. From 2027-04-01 the scheduling deadline returns to two years from conditional approval.^[6] We found no processing-time figure for NEXUS on the pages we read; the April 2024 release only says appointments are available on the system and many centres offer next-day availability, which is dated.^[13]

Who is not eligible (Global Entry)

CBP's FAQ says applicants may not qualify if they provide false or incomplete information, have been convicted of any criminal offense or have pending charges, have been found in violation of customs, immigration or agriculture laws in any country, are subjects of an ongoing law enforcement investigation, have been denied a firearm purchase, have received a criminal pardon, are inadmissible, or cannot satisfy CBP of their low-risk status.^[3] The CBSA says penalties can affect trusted traveller membership; for example a cannabis monetary penalty may lead to rejection or cancellation.^[14] CBP decides eligibility case by case, and membership does not guarantee expedited processing; members remain subject to inspection.

Using NEXUS: rules

For the CBSA, everyone accompanying a member in a NEXUS lane must also be a member regardless of age, and the driver is responsible.^[7] You cannot use NEXUS with commercial goods, restricted or controlled goods, goods needing a permit such as firearms, or CAN$10,000 or more.^[7] Most domestic pets are allowed through NEXUS lanes with a valid rabies certificate; pet birds and commercial animals are not.^[7] NEXUS kiosk or eGate users upload a passport photo on first use.^[7]

Global Entry cards and NEXUS lanes

CBP says Global Entry members can use NEXUS and SENTRI lanes entering the US, though SENTRI lanes require a vehicle registration (a $42 fee if done after the initial application) and Global Entry cards are not valid for entry into Canada through NEXUS lanes and kiosks; travelers must apply separately for NEXUS.^[3]

Where NEXUS works

The CBSA says NEXUS is currently available at 18 land border crossings for members driving into Canada, 396 marine reporting centres, and at 9 airports; one lane, St-Bernard-de-Lacolle: Highway 15, was closed for construction with a temporary lane at Lacolle: Route 221 at the time. Entering the US, Global Entry kiosks at 8 airports and designated lanes (the CBSA apply page says 16 land crossings).^[8][12]

About this guide

Officers decide at the border; this is general information, not official guidance. travel.tnaado.ca is not affiliated with CBP, CBSA, DHS or the Government of Canada.