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Written on Tuesday, July 3rd, 2007 at 5:08am by Alan Bedenko | 9 Comments

Nexus

As you may have gathered from my writing, one of the things I love to do is make cross-border jaunts, oftentimes on a moment’s notice. In the wintertime, that’s no problem, but in the summer it can be downright daunting, and it’s crossing back into the US that’s generally the problem. I remember several times over the last few summers when traffic was backed up on the QEW for miles approaching the 405 and 420 bridge approaches.

One of the little secrets we used to have was the Whirlpool Bridge – it was short and not as well-known by tourists, so it often acted as a last resort when the other bridges were nuts. Problem is, the Whirlpool Bridge is Nexus-only now.

So, I’ll periodically update you on the Nexus application process.

The frequent traveler card has a 3-page application. You need to provide five years’ worth of address and work history. You must submit a copy of your passport or birth certificate, and if you’re a driver you have to give them the front and back of your license.

Adult NEXUS passes cost US$50 and CDN$80. At current exchange rates, the Canadian fee is $74, so it pays to pay in US currency. However, if you choose to pay by providing your credit card number on the form, you will be charged in Canadian dollars, because the Canadian government processes the forms. To pay in US Dollars, you’ll need a certified check to accompany the applications. Kids under 18 are free.

I’ll get my certified checks today and try to send these things out today, as well. Next step will supposedly be an interview at the Fort Erie processing center centre.

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9 Comments

  1. mike hudson says:
    July 3, 2007 at 7:45 am

    have to cross saturday on our way to detroit and am dreading it. four crossings total. haven’t been since last september, returning from a ballgame in toronto, when getting across the queenston-lewiston bridge took longer than watching the indians beat the blue jays.

  2. lulu says:
    July 3, 2007 at 9:33 am

    You best mindful not to post too much information about the application process, BP. Homeland Security doesn’t like it when Customs and Immigration procedures are publicly discussed in these parts. Happy Fourth!

  3. lulu says:
    July 3, 2007 at 9:33 am

    be mindful, that is

  4. Terry says:
    July 3, 2007 at 10:02 am

    Am I correct that everyone in the car needs the pass? In other words, if I want to hop over with kids, the Nexus does me no good if the kids don’t have one too?

  5. Buffalopundit says:
    July 3, 2007 at 10:27 am

    Yes, Terry – every occupant in the car must be a Nexus holder in order to use that bridge or the designated lane.

  6. T.M. says:
    July 3, 2007 at 3:07 pm

    My sister, sig other and I went to the canadian falls earlier this year. Canadian customs: where you from, where you going, go ahead. The guy wasn’t exactly beaming at us, but he did the job and off we went.

    Coming back, though…that lady must practice her bad cop face in the mirror just to get it particularly nasty. Everyone had to show ID, answer questions, all the car windows had to be rolled down so she could see us, etc.

    I’m all in favor of a secure border…but I really don’t see how bad customer service and pointless questions serve that purpose.

  7. Bullsh*t Detector (aka Keyboard Warrior & Buffalo Hater) says:
    July 3, 2007 at 3:40 pm

    Coming back, though…that lady must practice her bad cop face in the mirror just to get it particularly nasty. Everyone had to show ID, answer questions, all the car windows had to be rolled down so she could see us, etc.

    I’m all in favor of a secure border…but I really don’t see how bad customer service and pointless questions serve that purpose.

    Hmmm…if yuo had been wearing a turban and/or if your female occupants were wearing hijabs, that “bad cop” face would’ve cracked. You’d have received the biggest smile, a bow, a few bottles of water, and an apology for being held up as long as you were.

    Bush’s America…gotta love it.

  8. jen14221 says:
    July 4, 2007 at 6:02 pm

    Oh dear.

  9. Paul says:
    July 6, 2007 at 9:45 am

    I pulled into American Customs, handed the officer my passport, and was asked what my citizenship was. I responded, “i’m American”, she looked me straight in the eye and said “no you’re not”. I didn’t know what to say. She had my current, valid American passport. She then said sternly “there’s no such thing as an American citizen, you’re a United States citizen”. “Well excuuuuuse meeee”, I wanted to say , but I kept my composure.
    Another time I was with a friend who is a Canadian citizen applying for a TN visa, which he was eligible for under NAFTA. They gave him a hard time because his college degree wasn’t from what the officer termed a “first world country like the US or Canada” but from England “which like all those other European countries is a second world country”
    These are the people defending our borders, but even more sadly creating the image for citizens and visitors.