Nexus program for travelling

[ken0042]

Is the interview at the US Consulate? If so, be aware they have an extremely strict "no electronics" policy that we found out about the hard way. You aren't even allowed to have your cell phone powered off and in your backpack; it cannot be with you. And there are no lockers nearby. They suggested leaving it at the hostel 7 blocks away.

Fortunately when my wife went to get her Visa, I work downtown and was able to pick up her phone from her.

[spetch]

Originally Posted by ken0042

Is the interview at the US Consulate? If so, be aware they have an extremely strict "no electronics" policy that we found out about the hard way. You aren't even allowed to have your cell phone powered off and in your backpack; it cannot be with you. And there are no lockers nearby. They suggested leaving it at the hostel 7 blocks away.

Fortunately when my wife went to get her Visa, I work downtown and was able to pick up her phone from her.

Wow paranoid much?? Good thing it shouldn't be there though. It takes place at the airport in the US checkin area. There is a small office on the east side that you watch the video on how to use the machine, then interview, then do a fake run through the machine. The whole process I don't think took more than 30-45 mins for me.

As for the questions they aren't crazy by any means. Do u do drugs, commit crimes, smuggle babies etc. Like Mccree said though it took quite a while for the application to get approved and onto the interview.

[Ryan Coke]

I don't remember even being asked any questions in my 'interview'. And yes it is right across from US preclearance in YYC. If you go somewhere else that they do interviews also, it can be a much shorter wait time. I'd also suggest repeatedly checking back on their website, as if anyone makes a cancellation you can then scoop their interview time.

[jar_e]

Originally Posted by fotze

Does this get you through the security (xray crap) quicker?

I've noticed the US customs to be not bad, but the security is where it gets ugly.

Yes, most canadian airports have nexus lines for domestic/transborder/international security.

[Tron_fdc]

You can do your interview at any US border crossing that is set up for a Nexus interview, not just the city you are in.

This includes Calgary, Edmonton, Sweetgrass, Vancouver, etc etc

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/location-eng.html

A coworker drove to Sweetgrass the week after he cleared the internet stage and did his, there was no line or 6 month wait.

There is also a drop in day and time at YYC, which I THINK is 4pm on Tuesday or something (can't remember) but it does exist.

Fotze: Canadian cities have a nexus security line, but you still have to do the Xray. It's just a shorter line for "trusted travelers".

[SilverGS]

Hmm looks like it should be no issue to apply for the kids as well.

http://canada.immigrationvisaforms.c...d-for-children

I definitely will have to look into this. Would make things easier with the kids not having to wait in long lines at airports.

[BlackArcher101]

It sounded so crappy that I had to join. Looking forward to being disappointed with it as well!

[Calgary14]

I have a coworker that has nexus. She swears by it. When we travel for business she says it can save her up to 30 min each way by not waiting in line.

As far as value I think that would depend on how often you use it. I don't have one personally as I don't travel enough but I know the Vancouver peace arch border can have 90 minute wait times so if I went down there often I'd wanna get one.

[Ben_in_Canada]

Originally Posted by Ben_in_Canada

So, despite all the negative reviews on here I applied this morning and am now waiting to hear about the next step (interview?).

Can anyone comment on questions to expect, any tips etc?

Just received my pre-approval this morning, nearly 2 months later.
My interview is booked in September for the Calgary airport, I could get in on Thursday (31st) if I was willing to drive down to Sweet Grass (but I'm not).

[enthused]

Originally Posted by Ben_in_Canada

Just received my pre-approval this morning, nearly 2 months later.
My interview is booked in September for the Calgary airport, I could get in on Thursday (31st) if I was willing to drive down to Sweet Grass (but I'm not).

Keep checking on the website for cancellations for the interview. When I got my Nexus card I was pre-approved in January but the first available interview wasn't until April. I kept checking the website and was able to grab an interview spot later in January instead.

[Tron_fdc]

Originally Posted by Ben_in_Canada

Just received my pre-approval this morning, nearly 2 months later.
My interview is booked in September for the Calgary airport, I could get in on Thursday (31st) if I was willing to drive down to Sweet Grass (but I'm not).

It's worth it to drive down to get it early, trust me. ESPECIALLY if you have any travelling between now and then.

Plus you can grab 96 Coors original from the liquor store across the street, which pretty much pays for the trip IMO

[BlackArcher101]

Just got notification of my pre-approval and promptly scheduled the interview for this Sunday at the airport.

[TheyCallMeBruce]

I got my pre-approval as well, but scheduled for 9/11.

BlackArchy, you must have gotten a cancellation or something.

[Ben_in_Canada]

Originally Posted by BlackArcher101

Just got notification of my pre-approval and promptly scheduled the interview for this Sunday at the airport.

Wow.
I've checked the calendar twice now today, the next available is Sep 11

[Ben_in_Canada]

LOL at all the CP'ers getting their approvals on the same day

[CaptainYooh]

Originally Posted by BlackArcher101

Just got notification of my pre-approval and promptly scheduled the interview for this Sunday at the airport.

When did you submit the initial application?

[BlackArcher101]

Originally Posted by CaptainYooh

When did you submit the initial application?

June 5

[TheyCallMeBruce]

Aren't we suppose to be discouraging people from joining Nexus?

[CaptainYooh]

I was pre-approved as soon as the proram was announced a few years ago and missed the appointment because of being away; then forgot about it completely, which was pretty stupid on my part. Lost the fees too...

[normtwofinger]

Do you have to be a Canadian resident or can non-resident Canadian citizens be accepted?