Kael Campbell in Recruiting Blog

Nexus – Why everyone who travels for business in Canada and Internationally should have it

When it comes to business travel, I want to get to where I am going see our clients and get back home to family and dogs quickly. Airport security lines are one of the slowest parts of any trip, but I just learned that you can skip the longest Security Lines in Canada and the US, as well as Customs when entering the States. Last spring a colleague and I had a connection in Seattle on our way to a conference in San Diego. This connection went from a 1-hour connection to a 3.5-hour connection thanks to missing a flight due to the customs line-up and re-entry through security.

“Flags of Canada and the United States” by Makaristos is licensed under CC BY 2.0

What I have learned from adding 3 hours to a layover, where I managed to catch a cold, was thatNexus Card holders make more of their travel connections and flights. The Nexus line at border crossings is also the “Trusted Traveller” line used by Pilots and Members of the Armed Forces to go through security at most major international airports. These individuals in addition to, serving to keep us safe and deserving a pass to the head of the line, have had extra security screening and are considered low risk by Canadian Boarder Services Agency and Homeland Security.

When traveling for work, employee and executive time are expensive, usually worth thousands of dollars per day, when the opportunity cost are factored in. Being stuck in lines or stuck rebooking a missed flight is one of the worst use of resources. Fortunately, Pilots, Armed Service Personel and business travellers pack for going through these lines quickly and efficiently, so Nexus airport security lines are quite quick. By applying for a Nexus card, you will be saving your company time and money. By whisking through after pilots and service people, you will be able to grow your business by using the extra time at the airport to connect with clients and most importantly make your flights.

The Nexus application is painless, it takes about 30 minutes to complete your online application, requires a credit card, passport, birth Certificate and Drivers License. Citizens and Permanent Residents of the US and Canada are eligible, as long as they have spent most of the last three years as residents. (People who served their country abroad are waived from the residency requirements). The final two things needed are payment of a $50 fee and an appointment for an interview at one of the major airports or cities in Canada to meet with CBSA and Homeland Security. Keep in mind that any past interaction with police or security agencies could trigger in-depth questions. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact an immigration lawyer and if not apply here and happy traveling: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/goes-eng.html

Residency Requirements: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/cn-ad/cn12-020-eng.html

Locations for interviews: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/location-eng.html