What happens if you lose your NEXUS membership
If you fail to comply with all terms and conditions of the NEXUS program, your membership may be cancelled. Find out how long you may need to wait before reapplying.
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How you could lose your membership
Any time you enter Canada or the U.S., you may be subject to an inspection. You could lose your membership in the program if an inspection shows that you have violated NEXUS terms and conditions. If you have contravened NEXUS program legislation, your eligibility will be reassessed. If you have violated NEXUS terms and conditions, CBSA will determine whether you retain your membership.
Negligence, carelessness or lack of knowledge are not acceptable reasons for violating your agreement. That is why it is important that you understand and abide by all NEXUS conditions, including:
The reason for the cancellation of your membership will determine how long you will need to wait before reapplying for NEXUS.
Terms and conditions of NEXUS membership
As a NEXUS member, you agree to:
- comply with all customs and immigrations laws and regulations
- comply with any other laws and regulations enforced by the CBSA and U.S. Customs Border Protection (CBP)
- keep your personal information current, including your address, immigration status, passport information and any information that may affect your eligibility
- recognize your NEXUS card belongs to the Government of Canada and the U.S.
- report if your NEXUS card is lost or stolen
- destroy your old NEXUS card when issued a new card
When you travel using your NEXUS privileges, you must:
- carry your NEXUS membership card
- declare any goods that exceed your personal exemptions or allowances
- possess the appropriate immigration documents (visa, work permit or electronic Travel Authorization)
- ensure each person in your vehicle or boat has a valid NEXUS membership
When you travel using your NEXUS privileges, you must not:
- facilitate non-members’ passage through self-serve kiosks, regardless of their age
- transfer your card to other people
- have any commercial goods in your possession, including promotional samples
- possess CAN$10,000 or more of currency and/or monetary instruments
Program legislation
Your NEXUS membership will be cancelled if you fail to comply with all conditions of the NEXUS program, including any of the following laws or regulations:
- Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
- Customs Act
- Criminal Code
- Laws or regulations administered by the CBSA on behalf of other government departments
How long you will need to wait before you reapply
If your membership is cancelled, you will be ineligible to reapply for NEXUS membership for a period of time that is based on the reason for the cancellation. Ineligibility periods for contraventions of program legislation begin on the date the related enforcement action is recorded. If you have been convicted of a criminal offence, the ineligibility period begins once the imposed sentence has been completed. If you have violated the NEXUS terms and conditions, the ineligibility period begins on the day of the violation.
The following table shows each violation of the NEXUS agreement and how many years you will need to wait before you may reapply to the program, if applicable.
| Violation | Years before you may be eligible to reapply |
|---|---|
Contravention of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act recorded in the Global Case Management System |
10 years |
Human smuggling or trafficking as described in Contravention of Part 3 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act |
Ineligible to reapply |
Contravention of the Customs Act resulting in a seizure or ascertained forfeiture recorded in the Integrated Customs Enforcement System |
1 to 7 years |
Bringing currency equal to or greater than $10,000 CAN into or out of Canada, unless exempt |
1 to 7 years |
Possession of or importing controlled, restricted or prohibited animals, plants or goods |
1 to 7 years |
Possession of or importing restricted or prohibited weapons or firearms |
1 to 7 years |
Summary offence under the Criminal Code of Canada or the equivalent under the Criminal Code of another country Footnote 1 |
10 years after the sentence has ended |
Conviction of an offence involving illegal narcotics |
Ineligible to reapply |
Conviction of an offence involving controlled drugs or substances |
Ineligible to reapply |
Conviction of an offence involving weapons |
Ineligible to reapply |
Conviction of an offence involving child pornography |
Ineligible to reapply |
Currency offences under the Criminal Code of Canada or the equivalent under the Criminal Code of another country |
Ineligible to reapply |
Attempting to facilitate or facilitating the entry of a non-member |
2 years |
Transferring your card to another person |
2 years |
Failing to declare goods that exceed your personal exemptions or allowances |
1 year |
Possession of commercial goods, including promotional samples |
1 year |
Failure to carry appropriate documentation |
1 year |
Failure to update your immigration status or information that may affect your NEXUS eligibility |
1 year |
|
Note Return to footnote 1 referrer: You must provide proof that the conviction was prosecuted summarily (Canada) or as a misdemeanor (U.S.). If you were only charged with an offence, you must provide proof that the charge did not result in a conviction. |
|
Reapplying for NEXUS
If your membership is cancelled because of multiple contraventions of program legislation or violations of the NEXUS terms and conditions, you will be ineligible for the longest period of time, 10 years.
If you reapply for NEXUS membership after having your membership cancelled and violate the program terms and conditions or legislation again, you may be ineligible for a longer period of time.
Contact us
For any questions you may have about using your NEXUS card, please contact us.
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