Renewing NEXUS membership these days is typically more challenging than usual. For me, it has been a long process, but I’m happy to report that after completing the interview, I’m approved for 5 more years. Interview appointments can be hard to come by, but with some persistence you can hopefully grab one.
Renewing NEXUS Membership is a process, but persistence pays off
With NEXUS enrollment centers being closed for around 2 years, there is a significant backlog for interviews. Adding to this complication is that some enrollment centers never reopened, including those in Canada. Those needing an interview must be persistent in order to obtain an appointment. I was lucky to schedule an interview appointment around a business trip to Detroit, so I was fortunate. Other than a long wait for approval, and some effort scheduling an appointment, this process was relatively easy. Note that NEXUS interviews require meeting with both American and Canadian border agents, so the locations are only near Canada/US border checkpoints.
What about the NEXUS interview?
I’ve now done 3 NEXUS interviews. None are particularly difficult. And the first one was more educational than anything else, although information about how to use kiosks is no longer relevant, since the equipment has changed in the last decade. My most recent interview was pretty straight forward. I first met with a (US) CBP officer who took my passport and drivers license, seemingly confirming my details. She also took the photo for my new NEXUS card. Unfortunately, my photo is about on par with my drivers license, not my best look. Oh well…
I then waited 10-15 minutes. Not sure what the delay was, as I was the only applicant in the office for much of the time. Finally a (Canadian) CBSA agent called my name. Basic questions about travel patterns, and then a reminder to have documentation for business travel to Canada, and that any violation while crossing the border would lead to revocation of NEXUS privileges. This officer seemed uninterested in the questions he asked me, more cared about getting his message across. That’s fine, and a good reminder, don’t get lazy about abiding the rules. The convenience of NEXUS/Global Entry/PreCheck are well worth following the simple guidelines.
Renew before expiration
There is still a 2 year grace period to NEXUS expiration date once renewal application is submitted. My advice is to apply as soon as you are able to do so, generally on your birthday, a year before expiration. It took nearly a year for my application to be processed, and I was disappointed to realize I had to interview again. This 24 month grace period seems to be extended again when conditional approval is granted. Hopefully 2 years is more than enough time to obtain an interview appointment.
What has your experience been renewing NEXUS? What about getting an interview appointment?
