Commuters & Trusted Traveler Programs

While few travelers disagree with the need for adequate border protection, most wish the crossing process would take less time. Especially those who live near borders or regularly conduct international business.

Although they don't eliminate time delays, the Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) and NEXUS border crossing programs allow qualified, low-security-risk individuals to go through international borders relatively quickly.

Commercial drivers should consider the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program for their business needs.

NEXUS

Established in 2002 by both the U.S. and Canadian governments, the NEXUS program gives approved travelers the ability to cross the border in a simplified, expedient manner. NEXUS members may use special lanes at 11 crossing locations and be spared the typical customs questioning.

NEXUS members automatically meet the new Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) standards for travel between the two countries. In fact, NEXUS participants have crossing privileges at any land, air, or marine entry point between Canada and the U.S.

Members receive a NEXUS photo identification card to be shown at border crossings. After displaying the NEXUS card, participants simply need to make their declaration. Occasionally, a member may be chosen either at random or by specific selection for additional processing.

Qualifications

To qualify for the program, you must be a citizen or permanent resident of either country, or you must be a legal, temporary resident able to pass a criminal history check.

Additionally, you must not:

• Be inadmissible to either country under applicable immigration laws

• Provide inaccurate or incomplete information on the NEXUS application

• Have a criminal record in any country, unless you've been pardoned

• Have been convicted of a customs or immigration law violation

• Fail to meet other requirements of the program

If either country rejects the application, you will not be allowed into the program.

Applying for Membership

To apply, begin by completing the application form. Then, make copies of your acceptable proof of citizenship, admissibility, and current residence.

Send all the paperwork, and payment for the $50 nonrefundable fee to:

• NEXUS Program

• P.O. Box 126

• Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T1

• Canada

If you're under 18 years old, you may apply for free.

The simplest and most efficient way to apply is through the Global Online Enrollment System (GOES). Just follow the instructions.

Allow six to eight weeks to receive a letter informing you of your fate. If you're approved, you'll need to complete your enrollment at a NEXUS processing center.

Memberships are valid for five years. You may renew your membership three months before its expiration date by going through the application process again and paying the $50 fee.

SENTRI

Established in 1995, SENTRI works in a similar manner to NEXUS, allowing approved travelers the ability to cross the border in a streamlined manner. SENTRI covers the southern border into Mexico, including the nine biggest ports of entry in California, Texas, and Arizona.

SENTRI members receive a Radio Frequency Identification Card (RFID), which contains a file number linked to the member's identification and SENTRI status. When approaching the border, the RFID is scanned and displays your information for the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. The RFID card does not contain any personal information, just your unique identification number assigned by CBP. Your vehicle's license plate number is also scanned.

All this allows members riding in SENTRI lanes to simply confirm their identity to the officer and be on their way, eliminating much of the processing time. Some members may occasionally be detained at random for additional questioning.

SENTRI participants may be able to use their membership to meet the WHTI travel documentation requirements as early as the summer of 2008.

Qualifications

You won't be accepted into the program if you:

• Have a criminal record, or have criminal charges pending

• Have been convicted of a customs, immigration, or agriculture infraction in any country

• Currently are being investigated by any law enforcement agency

• Aren't permitted into the U.S. under immigration law, including those with approved waivers of inadmissibility or parole documentation

• Provide inaccurate or incomplete information on the application

• Fail to demonstrate to the CBP that you are a low-risk individual

• Fail to meet other program requirements

Application Process

It's simple to apply with GOES. However, you may also complete a paper application. GOES applicants may check their pending status online.

It costs $25 per person to apply, with a maximum of $50 per family. The fees are nonrefundable.

If you're granted a conditional approval, you must schedule an interview with a CBP official at an enrollment office within 180 days of the approval date.

At the interview, you will be fingerprinted, which carries a $17.25 fee. (It's free for applicants under 14 years old.) You'll also have to pay an $80 systems fee, with a maximum systems fee of $160 per family.

To review, single applicants face a total bill of $122.25, while families face a maximum bill of $244.50. Registering another vehicle costs an extra $42.

Memberships are valid for five years, and cost $25 to renew.

Additional Information

Visit CBP's NEXUS or SENTRI pages for detailed information on the programs.

NEXUS applicants may also call (866) 639-8726, while SENTRI applicants may call an enrollment center or (866) 530-4172.