TN Computer System Analyst applying for Nexus Pass

[dash123]

Hey all,

My first post here.

I was wondering if any of you Computer System Analyst TN visa holders have or applied for a Nexus Pass. I am thinking of getting one since I travel back to Canada quite frequently (once or twice a month). I'm wondering if you had any problems with the interviews. Reason I'm asking is because recently I have been questioned quite a bit at the US border entry in regards to what I do as a Computer System Analyst. (ie. How much do you program? etc.). I was wondering if I will also be grilled at the Nexus interview in similar fashion.

Also the Nexus online application requires you to put 5 years of work experience and my experience in Canada has been Software Engineer, would that raise a red flag?

Thanks!

[Steven]

Basically what happens is you apply, and you need to have your TN-1 status added into the NEXUS database. So when you put your card into the machine it knows what category you're entering the US in. Mention it at the interview.

That's pretty much it. It can be a little awkward if you have the card and have yet to enter the US, because until you get it, you can't have it added, so then you have to leave and re-enter. But if you've already got it, it's pretty simple.

The interview is more about getting your photo done correctly and verifying the info on the application form is correct.

Given how many people have been on here with TN-1 and their job offer letter actually said: "software engineer" I wouldn't worry about it.

NEXUS cards are a bit of a double-edged sword, depends on which POE you use. If you go through YYC, there is never a line, so you zip through inspection, the CBP guy just takes your Customs declaration off you. If you go through Sweetgrass however they send you to secondary inspection and you have to sit and wait for ages for the "NEXUS guy" to take you into the "NEXUS room".

I was sat in secondary inspection once with a guy who had a NEXUS card and he was mumbling to himself: "I got this f---ing thing so I wouldn't have to sit here all day."

If you have a NEXUS card they also have a record of your departure from the US, because CBP have access to the database when you use it to re-enter Canada.

[jack2009]

Having Nexus Pass, How does it avoid the usual questioning from CBP's about the job duties ?

[Steven]

It doesn't. They can still question you, NEXUS card or passport or EDL, whatever. I think the thing is that it might be less likely at certain POEs because you walk up to the NEXUS machine and the CBP guy is really only interested in your customs declaration. But it depends on how they do NEXUS at the POE. Sometimes they want the card off you to put in the machine.

It's like all of these things, depends on the POE, depends on the CBP guy you get. Some are better than others in certain ways.

It's one of these situations where it's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.