Any NEXUS cardholder delay activating IR-1 recently?

[oncefuturealien 45]

Hi, VJ,

There are a lot of topics about this subject for K-1 visa holders, but I wondered if there are recent IR-1/CR-1 people who also have NEXUS cards who have crossed on their NEXUS card (preferably at an airport) without officially changing residency once the visa has been issued.

My situation is this: my interview is December 18; my USC Canadian resident husband and I have a vacation booked to Hawaii December 28 - January 7; and we are selling our house but don't anticipate closing until the end of January, so we have pressing tax reasons (a 25% holdback) to not want to officially change our country of residence until after that happens.

I suppose there's a decent chance I won't have my passport back before we leave anyway, with Christmas in there, in which case it will be moot (and it doesn't matter since I theoretically and officially am able to cross the border without my passport, only using the NEXUS card), but I wanted just a little comfort level if there's anyone who has had a similar situation.

Many thanks

[NikLR 13,231]

I remember there being a post a while back about the taxes being different depending on how long before you moved.... I don't remember when or the details about it, but it was within the last yearish in the Canada forum here.

[oncefuturealien 45]

As long as we're Canadian residents at the time of the transaction, we're good. If we're not, they will hold back 25% of the purchase price for 90 days or something. Which would seriously impinge on our ability to buy in the US :/

So just hoping for someone in a similar situation wrt NEXUS card.

Thanks, NLR. Your posts have been very helpful for those who have come after you

Edited November 23, 2015 by oncefuturealien

[NikLR 13,231]

I know people have been able to travel on their NEXUS card only.

[Ms Hogan 295]

The challenge I see though is that you are flying, yes? Will they still want your passport? Where are you flying out of? Where will you be clearing customs in each direction? I have flown a couple times and they still wanted to see my passport even though I had my Nexus card and my green card. Do you know if it can be used on all parts of your trip for identification purposes? If you have only Canadian ID and you are IN the U.S. switching planes and such they may very-well want to see your passport for checking in and all that great stuff. I have had that happen several times.

You also mentioned that you have your interview on December 18th. I don't know if they have slowed down but if I recall (have to check my signature when I hit Post lol) correctly I had my passport (and my two kids') in-hand just two days later.

The Nexus card status won't change until you actually get your green card and got to a Nexus office to make the changes. So for travel purposes, if you just show up with your Nexus card you are only going to show up as you usually do in the system.

Lots to think about I know! I realize I may not have helped other than adding to your concern but I would not want to risk wrecking my travel plans in any way and getting screwed by the airport staff if they want your passport.

[oncefuturealien 45]

Yeah the thing is the airline people are the ones who will want the passport, the US immigration guys at YVR normally only want the NEXUS card.

You had your passport in two days...my interview is on a Friday and it's a week before Christmas, so I'm not going to assume it will be back in time. Seems like many people wait 4 or 5 days. But if it is, I will probably show the passport to the airline and show the NEXUS to the border guys.

The thing is that since we have return tickets, and we will only be travelling with a week's warm weather clothes, it's going to be pretty easy to make the case that we're returning, I think. I hope! I can show them that we don't close on the house until whatever date that turns out to be and we have to be home for that LOL

Urgh.

[mrs thb 331]

i used nexus as my source of ID when I was applying for the K1 and then the CR1 visa. I had no problem using Nexus at Customs and Immigration in Canada (YYZ) or when traveling by land (Peace Bridge) ....this was the preferred way for me to get through immigration without having to activate my visa until timing was right. (I didn't want any CBP officer noting either visa in my passport.)

however I would use my passport when at US airports as the TSA isn't screening for immigrating purposes but only for identification. i believe i have seen people use their nexus cards as a form of ID at US airports but cannot be 100% certain as Americans when flying in the US only need to show drivers licences when going through security and state drivers licences all vary.

i got my passport back from montreal in 5 days, others before and after me waited 2 weeks. you cannot predict when you will have it back. its wise to think there could be delays with the holiday approaching.

i will part also with sharing this....i made many trips (like 6) to the US after I got my cr1 visa back in my passport.... i was questioned the last 2x by cbp in buffalo as to why i had a cr1 visa in my passport (once they swiped nexus they saw something which lead to further questions and me handing over my passport) and when would i be 'activating' it. both times i told the officer i wasn't ready I was still in the process of preparing to move and that I would be activating it before the date of expiry. both cbp officers were fine with that.

i wish i could help with the tax question but cannot...i was sure to sell prior to activating that visa! check here...others have mentioned this site in my readings.

http://forums.serbinski.com/

good luck....with both the interview and trip!

[oncefuturealien 45]

Thanks for your input!!

I will just have to see how it goes cross your fingers for me, everyone!