To be approved for NEXUS, youll go through a multi step application process. You first fill out an online application, show proof of citizenship, and pay a $50 fee. Then you set up a face-to-face interview.
It may be important to know how to prepare for the interview, which is the last step. In this article well breakdown what you need to know so you feel confident going into it.
Applying for NEXUS can expedite your travels across the US-Canada border. But first you’ll need to pass the NEXUS interview – an appointment where officers from CBSA and CBP will assess your eligibility through a series of questions.
In this comprehensive guide I’ll cover what to expect in the NEXUS interview and provide sample responses to 15 common questions to help you impress the officers.
Overview of NEXUS
NEXUS is a trusted traveler program that provides accelerated border clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers into Canada and the United States. Members can use dedicated NEXUS lanes at airports, land crossings, and marine reporting locations, avoiding long waits.
The benefits include
- Faster processing through border security and customs
- Access to NEXUS kiosks when entering Canada or the US
- TSA PreCheck eligibility when flying within the US
- No fees for 5 years from approval date
To qualify you’ll need to pass a background check and interview where officers verify your information and eligibility. Let’s look at what to expect.
NEXUS Interview Process
The NEXUS interview appointment consists of:
- Verifying your identity documents
- Fingerprinting
- Iris scan (if you want the card for air travel)
- Interview by a CBSA officer about your Canadian eligibility
- Interview by a CBP officer about your US eligibility
The interview aims to validate the information you submitted during the application and assess if you meet the program requirements. The officers will ask you a series of questions about your background, citizenship, affiliations, criminal history, and more.
Honesty and thorough preparation is key. Having your dates and details ready will help the interview go smoothly.
Now let’s look at 15 common questions and how to ace your responses:
1. Why are you applying for NEXUS?
Explain if it’s for business or personal travel. Share how often you plan to cross the border and why accelerated processing would benefit you.
Sample Response: I travel from Vancouver to Seattle 2-3 times per month to meet with clients and partners. Having NEXUS will save me significant time crossing the border for these frequent work trips.
2. How often do you plan to use the NEXUS card?
Provide an estimate of how frequently you foresee crossing the border and needing accelerated processing. Be truthful.
Sample Response: I expect to use the NEXUS card 2-3 times per month when traveling for work and also 3-4 times per year for personal trips across the border.
3. Have you ever been denied entry or had trouble entering Canada or the United States?
Disclose any prior visa cancellations, denied entries, or other border crossing issues fully. Explain the circumstances honestly.
Sample Response: No, I have never had any issues entering Canada or the US in the past.
4. Do you have any previous legal names, such as from a marriage?
Disclose any previous legal names you’ve used. Explain why you no longer use that name.
Sample Response: Yes, my previous legal name was Madeline Johnson from my prior marriage. After my divorce in 2010, I resumed using my maiden name Madeline Roberts.
5. Have you ever been convicted of a crime?
If you have a criminal record, be forthcoming. Share when the offense occured, the circumstances, and rehabilitation efforts. Trying to hide it may disqualify you.
Sample Response: Yes, I was convicted of a DUI in 2014 after driving impaired. This was a serious lapse in judgement. Since then, I’ve completed my penalties and alcohol education program. My record has been clear ever since and I no longer drink and drive.
6. Have you ever been affiliated with an organization that engaged in violence or criminal conduct?
Disclose any past or present ties to groups engaged in violence, crime, terrorism or other acts against public safety or governance. Explain honestly.
Sample Response: No, I have never been affiliated with any organizations that promote criminal or violent acts.
7. What is your current employment status?
Share details regarding your current job, employer, field, title, duties, length of employment, etc.
Sample Response: I’ve been employed for 5 years as a Senior Account Manager at XYZ Marketing Firm in Toronto. My role involves managing strategic campaigns and clients.
8. What citizenship(s) do you hold?
List any current citizenships you hold and previous citizenships if you renounced any. Bring your proof of citizenship documents.
Sample Response: I am a lifelong Canadian citizen and hold no other citizenships.
9. Have you ever overstayed a visa or fallen out of legal immigration status?
Disclose any past visa overstays or irregular immigration statuses honestly. Explain the circumstances.
Sample Response: No, I have always maintained legal immigration status in any country I’ve visited.
10. Do you have any chronic medical conditions that require frequent care abroad?
Disclose any ongoing health issues that require you to travel regularly to access care or medication. Explain how you manage the condition.
Sample Response: No, I do not have any medical issues requiring frequent travel.
11. Have you ever been denied a passport? If so, why?
If applicable, explain the reason your passport application was previously denied by the government. Share any mitigating circumstances.
Sample Response: No, I have never been denied a passport.
12. Where does your immediate family reside?
Provide details on where close family members like your spouse, parents, siblings, and children permanently reside.
Sample Response: My wife and children reside with me full-time at our home in Vancouver. My parents and siblings are also local residents of Vancouver.
13. Do you have any other residences beyond your permanent home?
Disclose any other properties you own or frequently reside at, such as a vacation home. Share the location and details.
Sample Response: No, I only have one permanent residence in Vancouver. We do not own any additional properties.
14. Have you ever smuggled unauthorized goods across the border?
Disclose any past instances of illegal transport of contraband or undocumented goods across the border. Explain the circumstances.
Sample Response: No, I have never smuggled any prohibited or illegal goods.
15. Do you have any questions for me about NEXUS?
Ask thoughtful questions that show your interest in the program. You can inquire about enrollment timeframes, using the card, eligibility of family members, or other topics.
Sample Response: Yes, I’m curious how soon my membership would be activated after approval and when I can expect to receive my NEXUS card?
Preparing clear, thorough responses to questions like these will help demonstrate you meet the program’s criteria and are a trusted traveler. Be ready to provide additional details or documentation as needed. With an honest, forthright approach, you’ll be well on your way to NEXUS approval.
Are there special rules for child interviews?
Applicants under the age of 18 must be present at the interview with parents. When you schedule your interview online, youll need to make appointments for each member of your family. You will need permission from both parents and an original form of identification (like a birth certificate) for each child who wants to study.
When kids cross the border, they need to be with a parent or legal guardian and get permission from both parents. It’s important to know that single parents usually need a notarized letter from the other parent before they can let their child cross the U.S. border. S. or Canada border.
What do you need to bring to a NEXUS interview?
You’ll need to bring the original copies of the documents that prove who you are that you sent with your application to your interview.
These documents may include:
- Passport
- Citizenship card
- Birth certificate
- Drivers license
- To cross the border with your car, you need to have the registration title and papers for it.
- Proof of custody for child/children under 18 years
- NEXUS approval letter
As part of the in person interview, youll be fingerprinted. If you want to use your NEXUS member card at an airport, you’ll also need an iris scan along with the other items listed above. Note that iris scans are not available at all enrollment locations.
Top 10 | Frequently asked | Cisco Nexus Interview Questions & Answers | DataCenter NOC Engineer
FAQ
How long is a NEXUS interview?
What to wear for a NEXUS interview?
How hard is it to get NEXUS?
What is a nexus interview?
As you may know, the NEXUS interview is actually 2 separate NEXUS interviews. Let’s look at those one by one. I started with the American agent, who asked basic questions like whether I had ever been convicted of any crime or denied entry into the USA. Standard immigration stuff. He then revalidated my personal information, like where I was born.
What documents do I need for a nexus interview?
These documents may include: As part of the in person interview, you’ll be fingerprinted. If you’ll be using your NEXUS member card at an airport, you’ll also need an iris scan in addition to the above documents. Note that iris scans are not available at all enrollment locations.
Do I need an iris scan at a nexus interview?
As part of the in person interview, you’ll be fingerprinted. If you’ll be using your NEXUS member card at an airport, you’ll also need an iris scan in addition to the above documents. Note that iris scans are not available at all enrollment locations. What questions are asked at a NEXUS interview?
