Full Breakdown
NEXUS Interview Scheduling Window Reduces to Two Years
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Change
Effective April 1 2027, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced that conditionally-approved applicants for the NEXUS trusted-traveller program will have only two years to schedule the required enrolment interview with both the CBSA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Applicants approved after that date must book an interview within the two-year period; those approved before it retain the existing five-year window, but must complete the interview by April 1 2029, whichever comes first.
Background: Pandemic-Era Backlog
The five-year interview window was introduced as a temporary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic to accommodate a large backlog of pending applications. The CBSA reports that interview capacity has since improved, prompting the return to the pre-pandemic two-year standard.
Official Statements & Responses
In a release, the CBSA emphasized that the change aims to streamline processing and reduce wait times for “low-risk” travellers. The agency reminded all conditionally-approved applicants to schedule their interview promptly, noting that applications will be considered expired once the applicable deadline passes. The CBSA also reiterated that eligibility requires admissibility under Canadian and U.S. immigration laws, accurate information, and no violations of customs, immigration, or agriculture regulations.
Timeline & Key Dates
- April 1 2027 – Two-year interview window becomes effective for new conditional approvals.
- Before April 1 2027 – Existing five-year window remains, but interviews must be completed by April 1 2029 (whichever comes first).
- Interview locations – CBSA portion at NEXUS enrolment centres on the Ambassador Bridge (Detroit) and the Blue Water Bridge (Port Huron); CBP portion can be completed at CBP enrolment centres or via Enrolment on Arrival at designated crossings and airports.
What’s Next
Applicants are urged to book their interviews as soon as possible to avoid expiration of their conditional approval. The CBSA and CBP will continue to operate the programme jointly, with memberships remaining valid for five years once the interview is completed and the processing fee of US $120 (free for applicants under 18) is paid.