Are you wondering what the difference is between Nexus and Global Entry programs? If so, then this blog post will give you all of the information that you need to know. Whether it’s understanding what each program involves, or weighing up which one might be best for your needs and circumstances–we have got it covered. Keep reading to get an in-depth comparison of these two border-crossing programs side-by-side, diving into their eligibility requirements, application processes, benefits offered, and more!
What is Nexus Program?
Nexus Program is a joint initiative between the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to make it easier for pre-approved, low-risk travelers to cross the border into both countries quickly.
- Nexus members can enjoy dedicated border lanes when crossing either the Canadian or US borders as well as expedited processing at airports and marine ports of entry.
- Becoming a Nexus member requires an online application including submitting personal information, such as date of birth and full address history, in addition to fingerprints and iris scans that are required for biometric identification.
- The Nexus program makes travel between both countries significantly easier by allowing successful Nexus members to breeze through customs at the land or air borders.
What is the Global Entry Program?
- Created by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency, the Global Entry Program is a trusted traveler program that allows the expedited clearance of pre-approved passengers entering the United States.
- This extensive pre-screening process evaluates the individual’s backgrounds – such as real estate, employment, and criminal records – to provide enhanced convenience for frequent travelers at the nation’s border control stations.
- Overall, the Global Entry Program is designed to securely speed up the arrival process for travelers from abroad as well as facilitate economic growth and tourism in the U.S.
Difference between Nexus and Global Entry Program
Nexus and Global Entry Program are both programs initiated by the US Department of Homeland Security, although they have significant differences.
- Nexus is a bi-national program created to facilitate faster, more efficient travel between Canada and the U.S., while The Global Entry Program was developed to speed up entry of pre-approved, low-risk travelers from participating countries into the United States.
- Nexus allows travelers access to special lanes at designated airports in both Canada and the U.S., along with express lanes for customs and immigration clearance for members traveling either way across the border.
- On the other hand, The Global Entry Program expedites a traveler’s processing upon arrival into the U.S., allowing approved applicants to enter the country with expedited passport control processing, kiosk check-in service, and access to Premier Lane privileges at airport security checkpoints.
Conclusion
The big difference between the two programs is that with Nexus you get Pre-Check eligibility, and with Global Entry, you don’t. If you travel frequently enough, both programs can save time at the airport. But if your main priority is getting Pre-Check access, then Nexus is the better choice of the two because it offers this perk along with other advantages like a dedicated security line and shorter wait times at customs.
