NEXUS and Dual Citizenship - Crossing the border

[Justdazed 1]

Over the holidays I will be crossing the border (land) for the first time as a Dual Citizen. I will be bringing my Canadian passport, enhanced US driver's license, and NEXUS card (US issued). I'm a bit confused with how the NEXUS situation will work since it appears I can only list one citizenship. Since it's states my citizenship is US, should I give my Canadian passport to the border guard as well? Any other information that would be helpful? I read somewhere that I should be entering each respective country as a citizen (going to Canada, Canadian - going to the US, American).

[The Mean Lady 604]

Yes, if you want to have the easiest time crossing, be US when you cross into the US and be Canadian when you cross into Canada.

I realize, however, that that does nothing to clarify using your US nexus pass while crossing into Canada.

However, I don't know where you cross but, the Sarnia border is rarely busy on the canadian side, so perhaps you won't need to nexus on that side at all.

I've found the nexus pass is way more beneficial on the US side lol.

Edited December 4, 2012 by KDubovik

[hikergirl 277]

Over the holidays I will be crossing the border (land) for the first time as a Dual Citizen. I will be bringing my Canadian passport, enhanced US driver's license, and NEXUS card (US issued). I'm a bit confused with how the NEXUS situation will work since it appears I can only list one citizenship. Since it's states my citizenship is US, should I give my Canadian passport to the border guard as well? Any other information that would be helpful? I read somewhere that I should be entering each respective country as a citizen (going to Canada, Canadian - going to the US, American).

I was just looking at my NEXUS paperwork and I received a form to mail/fax in to change information for my NEXUS card. At the very bottom there is a section for notes for visas, etc.

Maybe you could list your new citizenship in there if you have that in order for them to update their system.

[aaron2020 11,651]

When entering Canada and interacting with Canadian officials - show proof of your Canadian citizenship.

When entering the US and interacting with US officials - show proof of your US citizenship.

Canadian citizenship is what is important when entering Canada, so your US citizenship is secondary. And US laws requires you to use proof of US citizenship to enter the US.

[KTandTommy 31]

Wow, I had always heard that you are always supposed to travel in and out on the same passport...

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

Canada does allow, recognize -- and even encourage -- multiple citizenship.

The United States does not prohibit it, does not recognize it, and does not encourage it.

Thus, a Canadian citizen who is also a US citizen can travel exclusively with their US passport. It doesn't work the other way around.

What's required is that you identify yourself as a Canadian citizen to authorities upon request. That doesn't imply even having a Canadian passport; it's in fact similar to the requirement of a US citizen to identify themselves to law enforcement, despite the fact that there is no law in the United States that would require a US citizen to carry any form of ID on them (yay!).

So you can travel with your Nexus card, your US passport (not even needed), and upon request tell the Canadian border patrol that you are a Canadian citizen as well.

[Justdazed 1]

Canada does allow, recognize -- and even encourage -- multiple citizenship.

The United States does not prohibit it, does not recognize it, and does not encourage it.

Thus, a Canadian citizen who is also a US citizen can travel exclusively with their US passport. It doesn't work the other way around.

What's required is that you identify yourself as a Canadian citizen to authorities upon request. That doesn't imply even having a Canadian passport; it's in fact similar to the requirement of a US citizen to identify themselves to law enforcement, despite the fact that there is no law in the United States that would require a US citizen to carry any form of ID on them (yay!).

So you can travel with your Nexus card, your US passport (not even needed), and upon request tell the Canadian border patrol that you are a Canadian citizen as well.

Thank you! When my NEXUS card said Canadian Citizen the American border guards would always want to see my green card (and sometimes they were quite rude about it). My rationale with the card was change the citizenship to US and avoid that situation specifically. After reading everyone's comments I feel this was the right choice and once I get my US passport I'll be set to bring both with me.

I'm sure as I go back and forth I'll learn what works and what doesn't

[The Mean Lady 604]

Thank you! When my NEXUS card said Canadian Citizen the American border guards would always want to see my green card (and sometimes they were quite rude about it). My rationale with the card was change the citizenship to US and avoid that situation specifically. After reading everyone's comments I feel this was the right choice and once I get my US passport I'll be set to bring both with me.

I'm sure as I go back and forth I'll learn what works and what doesn't

Agreed.

It's always easier to get into Canada than the US.

Stingy US CBP officers.

Canada is like COME ON OVER!

[Flames9_RN 358]

Thank you! When my NEXUS card said Canadian Citizen the American border guards would always want to see my green card (and sometimes they were quite rude about it). My rationale with the card was change the citizenship to US and avoid that situation specifically. After reading everyone's comments I feel this was the right choice and once I get my US passport I'll be set to bring both with me.

I'm sure as I go back and forth I'll learn what works and what doesn't

One just has to remember the USA sees you as only a USA citizen and Canada is like, ok whatever, your outfit matches, you have no guns on ya, please come on in!!

[Justdazed 1]

One just has to remember the USA sees you as only a USA citizen and Canada is like, ok whatever, your outfit matches, you have no guns on ya, please come on in!!

Yep pretty much!