U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Canada Border Services Agency announced a new interview option to increase enrollment capacity for NEXUS, a binational program that expedites preapproved travelers’ transit between the two countries.

Key Points:

  • The new enrollment option will allow for CBSA interviews to be conducted at reopened airport enrollment centers in Canada, followed by a separate CBP interview at Canadian airport preclearance locations for applicants traveling to the United States.
  • Applicants must book an appointment online for the CBSA interview. The subsequent CBP interview does not require an appointment, but applicants should plan travel time accordingly, as the interview takes place at an airport before their departure to the United States.
  • The new enrollment option for air travelers should be available by spring 2023. It expands on the existing option to schedule joint interviews with CBSA and CBP officers at land border enrollment centers in the United States.
  • NEXUS memberships last five years and are renewable. More information on enrollment is available here.

Background: The NEXUS program allows both countries to focus their screening efforts on unknown and potentially higher-risk travelers and goods. CBP and CBSA have completed more than 200,000 NEXUS enrollments since Oct. 1, 2022, and reduced the net inventory of applicants by approximately 100,000 from its peak in summer 2022.

BAL Analysis: The announcement of a new NEXUS interview option is welcome news, as it will increase the enrollment capacity for new and renewing members. BAL will continue to monitor the implementation of the interview option and will provide more information as it becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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