05/02/2013 (press release: nvisionsolutions) // Ottawa, Ontario, Canada // Jennifer Roberts
NEXUS offers Canadians way to avoid long border or airport wait times
Pardon Applications of Canada shares tips on what’s required for Canadians seeking a NEXUS card to expedite and enhance travel freedom to the U.S.
Frequent travellers to the U.S. can avoid long wait times at U.S. border crossings or through the airport by acquiring a NEXUS card, according to a private firm which assists Canadians in securing freedom to the United States.
According to Pardon Applications of Canada, a nationwide application firm with offices in Vancouver, Edmonton, Ottawa and Toronto, eligible Canadians should consider a NEXUS card to enhance and expedite their travel itinerary.
“NEXUS allows travelers flying from many Canadian airports, even on domestic flights, to bypass the regular security screening line and use an expedited trusted traveler line”, said Chris Heringer, CEO of Pardon Applications of Canada. “But you have to meet eligibility requirements to get the card”, he added.
NEXUS is a joint U.S.-Canada program which is designed to allow pre-approved “low-risk” travellers to cross the border quickly. Members of the program can often avoid long wait times by using self-serve kiosks at airports, reserved lanes at border crossings, or by phoning border officials when entering by water. The program is operated by the Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
To qualify for the program, an applicant must be a citizen of Canada or the United States or a permanent resident. Previously, there was a requirement to have resided in either country for three years, but this has since been removed to allow Canadian and American citizens living abroad and those who have recently returned to apply for NEXUS. Applicants must also be legally admissible to both nations, must have complied with immigration and customs regulations during previous travel, and must also have a criminal history check. Additionally, if the applicant is under 18, both parents must provide their written consent.
“If a Canadian has a criminal record, it is critical to obtain a pardon before applying for NEXUS”, said Heringer. “Otherwise, they’ll get denied the card”, he added.
To obtain a pardon (also known as a “record suspension”), applicants are advised to receive an email qualification report to ensure they are eligible, a free service offered by Pardon Applications of Canada on the company’s website www.pardonapplications.ca.
Once approved for NEXUS, a traveller should also be aware of specific items permitted in a NEXUS lane. A reasonable quantity of alcohol, for example, is allowed assuming the traveller has been out of the country for at least 48 hours. Other acceptable items include tobacco products that are marked “Canada-Duty paid”, gifts up to $100 each, and any reasonable amounts of personal effects.
Items which are not permitted include Cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos or loose tobacco that is not marked “Canada-Duty Paid”, commercial or durable goods, firearms (legal to import, but specific paperwork must be filled out and a secondary inspection is usually required), agricultural products (with limited exceptions for processed and locally grown foods in season), or more than $10,000 in cash.
Contact:
Jennifer Roberts, (613) 703-9870
Pardon Applications of Canada
jennifer.roberts@pardonapplications.ca
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