Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Canada Immigration Info
by Border Cards

What is the purpose of this site?

Our site is for people struggling with their NEXUS Card applications, who just don't want to bother with GOES, or who want someone to guide them through the process.

What is Border Cards?

Border Cards is a non-governmental organiation that has been providing support for travellers navigating the complex world of modern travel since 2004. You can learn more about us here.

What does Border Cards do?

Border Cards provides support for travellers applying for trusted traveller program memberships, such as NEXUS. For our clients We

• Ensure your application has no mistakes
• Notify you of any missing information
• Inform you of any potential issues
• Inform you of your conditional approval or refusal
• Book your interview for you at your preferred location
• Find you a sooner interview date
• Help prepare you for your interview.

Border Cards helps travellers with all the trusted traveller programs, including

• NEXUS Card (US/Canada)
• FAST Card (for commercial drivers)
• SENTRI(US/Mexico)
• FLUX (US/Netherlands)
• CANPASS (Canada)
• Global Entry (US)
• APEC Business Travel Card
• Registered Traveller (UK)
• SmartGate (Australia and New Zealand)
• J-Bis (Japan)
• E-Channel (Hong Kong)

How much does Border Cards charge?

Border Cards charges a service fee to provide these additional services. Our base fee is US$150. For expedited interviews, we charge an additional US$100. We charge these fees because we review each application with a fine-toothed comb. We notify each applicant of missing information, which would cause a refusal. We continually update applicants on their progress. We select the appointment for you, so you don't have to deal with the cumbersome appointment system.

Can I get a refund?

If you decide that you do not want to proceed with our service, notify us within 48 hours and we will refund your money. However, if your application has already been submitted, your government fees (US$50) cannot be refunded.

NEXUS Card

What is a NEXUS Card?

NEXUS is a "trusted traveller" program between Canada and the United States of America. "Trusted Traveller" programs are programs set up by various governments to allow pre-approved "trusted" travellers to skip on certain security and customs requirements.


With a NEXUS Card, you can use express lines at airports, express lanes at the US-Canada border, and even a NEXUS-only bridge in Niagara Falls.

How do I get a NEXUS Card?

In order to get a NEXUS Card, you must complete an application, submit the application by mail or online, and attend an interview at a NEXUS enrolment centre.

1. Step 1 - Conditional Approval: CBSA and US CBP officers review your application to make sure you are eligible. If you are, you will be conditionally approved.
2. Step 2 - Interview: You will then attend an interview where you will have to verify your information you provided on the application and provide your biometric information.
3. Step 3 - Receive your card.

If you are approved, your card will be mailed to you. It is valid for 5 years, provided you abide by the guidelines.

How long does it take to get a NEXUS Card

There are three steps to get a first NEXUS Card. The first two steps of the process do not have set processing times.

1. Step 1 - Conditional Approval: 2-10 weeks, depending on the time of year (summer applications always take longer)
2. Step 2 - Interview: 1-40 business days, depending on both the enrolment centre (how busy they are) and the time of year (during the summer it takes longer)
3. Step 3 - Receive your card in the mail: 10 days

What happens if I get refused?

Border Cards will not submit any application we believe has no chance of getting accepted. However, if we believe you have a chance for approval or, if you decide to apply even though we suggest you shouldn't, and your application is refused, we will refund your service fees. Your government fees cannot be refunded.

Why should I use Border Cards for my NEXUS Card application?

Border Cards provides support for your application you cannot get anywhere else. We will help you with every aspect of your NEXUS application, helping you avoid unnecessary delays and possible refusal. We

• Ensure your application is has no mistakes
• Notify you of any missing information
• Inform you of any potential issues
• Inform you of your conditional approval or refusal
• Book your interview for you at your preferred location
• Find you a sooner interview date
• Help prepare you for your interview.

FAST Card

What is a FAST Card?

FAST is a joint initiative by the Canadian and US governments to allow trusted truck drivers to cross the border with less delay. Truck drivers can use express lanes at border crossings.

How do I get a FAST Card?

You get a FAST Card the same way you would get a NEXUS Card, though the requirements are a little different. Learn more about applying with the government directly.
Border Cards supports FAST Card applicants. Complete this form to start.

How long does it take to get a FAST Card?

Just as with NEXUS Cards, how long it takes to get approved for a FAST Card depends upon the time of year and the enrolment centre you can attend. Note: There are fewer enrolment centres for FAST than for NEXUS.

SENTRI

What is SENTRI?

SENTRI stands for Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Road Inspection, but you can think about it as the Mexican equivalent of NEXUS, though without the ability to use the pass at airports.

How do I get SENTRI?

You apply for SENTRI the same way you apply for NEXUS. Learn how to apply through the government.
Border Cards supports SENTRI applications. Start now.

How long does it take to get SENTRI?

Just like with NEXUS, SENTRI application processing times vary due to the time of year and the enrolment centre you are headed to. There are far fewer enrolment centres for SENTRI than for NEXUS, so you can expect the interview part to take longer.