NEXUS Card Photo Requirements
NEXUS takes your biometric photo at the enrollment center — you do not submit a photo with your application. Here is what to expect and how the enrollment process works.
No photo submission required — your photo is taken at enrollment.
Unlike passport applications, you do not bring or submit printed photos. CBP captures your biometric photo (along with fingerprints and iris scans) at the in-person interview. Just show up looking as you normally would at a border crossing.
NEXUS vs. Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck
| Program | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| NEXUS | $50 / 5 yr | Frequent US-Canada crossers |
| Global Entry | $100 / 5 yr | International travelers |
| TSA PreCheck only | $85 / 5 yr | Domestic travelers only |
| SENTRI | $122.25 / 5 yr | Frequent US-Mexico crossers |
NEXUS Enrollment Process
Create a TTP (Trusted Traveler Programs) account and complete the NEXUS application. You will be asked about travel history, criminal history, and employment. The application fee is $50 USD, non-refundable.
CBP and CBSA review your application. Background checks are conducted by both US and Canadian authorities. Conditional approval typically takes a few weeks, after which you can book your enrollment interview.
Both a US CBP and a Canadian CBSA interview are required. These are often conducted at the same enrollment center. Schedule through the TTP portal. Wait times vary by location — border crossing centers tend to have shorter waits than airport centers.
Bring your passport and any other required identity documents. Officers capture your biometrics (fingerprints, iris scan, and facial photo). No printed passport photo needed. Wear your normal daily appearance — no hats, no glasses for the photo.
Your physical NEXUS card arrives by mail within 2–4 weeks. It includes your Known Traveler Number (KTN) for TSA PreCheck access. Add your KTN to your airline profiles to get PreCheck on domestic flights.
Tip
NEXUS Card Photo FAQ
Do I need to submit a photo for a NEXUS card application?
No — you do not submit a photo when applying for a NEXUS card. Unlike a passport application (where you bring printed photos), NEXUS captures your biometric photo at the in-person enrollment interview at a NEXUS enrollment center. Your photo, fingerprints, and iris scans are all captured at the center during your appointment. Nothing is submitted with your initial online application.
What is NEXUS and how is it different from Global Entry?
NEXUS is a US-Canada trusted traveler program jointly operated by CBP and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). It provides expedited entry at US-Canada land borders, airports, and marine ports. Like Global Entry, it also grants TSA PreCheck access. NEXUS costs $50 (compared to $100 for Global Entry alone) and is valid for 5 years. The main difference: NEXUS is specifically for frequent US-Canada crossers. If you travel internationally beyond Canada, Global Entry is more broadly useful.
What photo standards are used for NEXUS enrollment?
NEXUS photo standards are the same as US passport photo standards: frontal view, neutral expression, white or off-white background, eyes open, no glasses. Since the photo is taken at the enrollment center (not submitted by the applicant), you do not need to prepare a physical photo. However, you should dress and groom as you would for a passport photo — the image is used for biometric identity verification at border crossings.
Where are NEXUS enrollment centers located?
NEXUS enrollment centers are located at major US-Canada border crossings and some major airports. US locations include: Blaine WA, Buffalo/Niagara NY, Champlain NY, Detroit MI, Highgate Springs VT, International Falls MN, Lacolle QC (Canadian side), Pembina ND, Portal ND, and Sweetgrass MT. Airport enrollment centers include JFK (New York), Newark, and select others. Check the CBP TTP portal at ttp.cbp.dhs.gov for current enrollment center availability.
How long does NEXUS enrollment take?
The NEXUS enrollment interview typically takes 10–15 minutes. During the interview, CBP and CBSA officers capture your biometrics (fingerprints, iris scans, and facial photo), review your documents, and ask a few questions about your travel history. You receive a conditional approval during the interview in most cases. The physical NEXUS card arrives by mail 2–4 weeks later.
Can I use my NEXUS card photo for other documents?
No — the photo taken at your NEXUS enrollment is stored in the CBP biometric database and printed on your physical NEXUS card. You cannot request a copy of this photo for use in other documents. For a passport, Green Card, or other government documents, you need a separately taken 2×2 inch printed photo.
What should I wear to my NEXUS enrollment appointment?
Wear your normal daily appearance. The biometric photo taken at enrollment will be compared against your appearance at future border crossings. Avoid wearing glasses (they will be asked to be removed for the photo). Do not wear hats or head coverings unless they are for documented religious reasons. Wear the same hairstyle you typically keep. Natural, neutral makeup is fine. The goal is for the photo to represent how you normally look at a border crossing.
Does NEXUS approval grant TSA PreCheck?
Yes — a valid NEXUS membership grants TSA PreCheck access on US domestic flights. Enter your NEXUS KTN (Known Traveler Number, the 9-digit number on your NEXUS card) in the Known Traveler Number field when booking flights or in your airline profile. NEXUS costs $50 for 5 years, which is significantly cheaper than standalone TSA PreCheck ($85 for 5 years), making it the best value for US-Canada travelers.