The backlog of applications for processing Nexus program applications in Canada climbed to hundreds of thousands, despite the sharp decline in the number of applicants during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) said more than 295,000 Nexus applications still need to be processed due to office closures caused by the health crisis.
Applicants for the Nexus program, which among other things allow Canadian -approved people to use separate and fast lines when traveling to the United States by land, must all be tested.CBSA and United States border authorities.
The U.S. agency reopened its Nexus enrollment centers on April 19 to screen candidates, but those in Canada have yet to reopen after they closed in March 2020, at the start of the pandemic.
The resulting backlog means that some Nexus members find it difficult to book appointments before their cards expire, as applications for Canadian residents who want to renew their status will only be processed in vain. another dozen offices on the border where availability is limited.
L ‘CBSA stated in an email that Canada and the United States have already begun discussions about the date of the reopening of Canadian registration centers.
Membership in the Nexus program is valid for five years. Typically, Nexus cardholders can use automated declaration kiosks at nine Canadian international airports, and kiosks Global Entry to enter the United States.
As for lane reserves, they can be used by holders at 21 designated land border crossings between Canada and the United States.
Source: Radio-Canada