October 2, 2026 — The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced on October 1 that the deadline to schedule a NEXUS enrolment interview is going back to two years. Applicants have had five years since a temporary extension during the pandemic. The change takes effect April 1, 2027, and applies to US and Canadian applicants alike.
The details
| If you are conditionally approved… | Your deadline to schedule the interview |
|---|---|
| On or after April 1, 2027 | 2 years from conditional approval |
| Before April 1, 2027 | 5 years from conditional approval, or April 1, 2029, whichever comes first |
- Why: CBSA says more interview capacity is now available.
- Who it affects: everyone waiting for a NEXUS interview and all future applicants. NEXUS is run jointly by CBSA and US Customs and Border Protection. We found no matching CBP announcement.
- Fee and term: CP24 reports the fee is US$120, waived for children, and membership lasts five years.
- Applications are down: CP24 reports 344,257 applications in 2025, about half the 695,533 received in 2024.
What it means for airline travelers
- If you are conditionally approved, book now. CBSA’s advice is to book “as soon as possible so your application does not expire.”
- Check your approval date. Older conditional approvals have a hard stop of April 1, 2029, at the latest.
- Use your travel. Interviews are held at enrolment centres, including some at airports, so a layover can be a chance to get it done. Check the Trusted Traveler Programs site for open slots.
- Why it is worth it: NEXUS includes expedited lanes at the Canada–US border and is useful when you are commuting or flying standby on tight connections.
Sources
- Canada Border Services Agency (official) — Changes to NEXUS Interview Deadlines
- CP24 / CTV News — Canada-U.S. border agencies announce changes for Nexus applicants
