The Trusted Traveler program is a boon to international travelers, whether you’re crossing a few times a year or every week. In its own words, CBP notes on its website that “the binational NEXUS program benefits communities on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border by supporting economic growth and trade, reducing border congestion, and expediting the crossing of low-risk, pre-approved travelers.” But government shutdowns impacting border operations have obstructed the efficient processing of NEXUS applications, resulting in extensive delays in obtaining or renewing NEXUS status. As of this posting, the Department of Homeland Security’s Trusted Traveler Program website states that the average wait time for NEXUS status is 12-14 months—and in reality, this estimate likely vastly underestimates the timeline for most applicants.

 

The good news is mostly for those who already have NEXUS trusted traveler status. If you submit a renewal application before your membership expires, you will be able to continue to use benefits after your membership expiration date. You can and should submit your renewal application up to a year before your status expires. This will give you a head-start on all the folks who hit the month (or week) before their status expires and finally say, “Yeah, I really have to do that NOW!” If you do submit a year or even a day before your NEXUS status expires, you automatically have five years to complete the interview and receive a new card. In the meantime, you can continue using your NEXUS as before. That said, you should absolutely log in to check whether you can schedule an interview frequently, as there are years-long waits for an interview, and you only have the five years from conditional approval to attend an interview, before your NEXUS approval is canceled.

 

While you’re likely in for a wait as either a new or renewing applicant, the wait is undoubtedly worth it, for those who qualify. Dedicated NEXUS lines at many U.S. land borders mean a significantly reduced wait, or no wait at all, compared to regular lines.

 

A few words of caution. Keep the following in mind, since once a customs officer has revoked your NEXUS status, it is nearly impossible to get back, since the program is discretionary:

 

 

While no immigration professional can offer any shortcuts to obtaining Trusted Traveler status faster, it might be worth speaking with someone if you feel that your NEXUS status was unjustly revoked. Sometimes customs officers do not tell the traveler why they have revoked their Trusted Traveler status—leaving people frustrated, angry and confused. It may be possible to file information requests to obtain this information and to request reconsideration. In some instances, it is possible to get your NEXUS status reinstated. Please reach out to any of the immigration professionals on our team with questions about how to proceed, if you feel you have been the target of an unjust NEXUS revocation.

 For more information on this topic or any other Immigration matter please contact Elizabeth M. Klarin (eklarin@lippes.com) or a member of the Lippes Mathias Immigration practice team.