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Canada NEXUS card photo requirements

The photo rules set by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for the Canada NEXUS card, with the official wording and sources.

Based on 6 official sources · last checked Official sources Page history

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Quick answer

What are the Canada NEXUS card photo requirements?

You do not send a photo with a NEXUS application. Once you are conditionally approved you book an enrolment interview, where officers take your fingerprints and a picture of your face for your card, the CBSA says. Membership costs US$120 for 5 years.

NEXUS is the trusted traveller program run jointly by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), for faster crossings into Canada and the United States by land, air and boat.

Applications are made online in the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) System, signing in with Login.gov. At the interview, officers review the application, verify identity, check original supporting documents, explain the terms and conditions, and take fingerprints and a picture of the face for the membership card. The CBSA does not publish separate photo rules for NEXUS.

Canada NEXUS card photo size and specifications

The requirements as published by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP):[1]

Photo agePhoto taken at the enrolment interview

Key requirements

  • No photo to supply

    The CBSA's application steps do not ask you to supply a photo; officers take it at the interview.

  • Fee and validity

    US$120, non-refundable, for a 5-year membership. The fee is waived for applicants under 18 if a parent or legal guardian is also applying or is already a member. A replacement card costs US$25.

  • Documents

    Proof of citizenship or permanent residence (such as a valid passport or PR card), proof of residency, and any work or study permit.

  • Interview options

    Joint interview with CBSA and CBP officers at a land enrolment centre in the U.S.; split interview at paired Canadian and U.S. land centres; or a two-step airport interview.

  • Interview deadlines

    If you are conditionally approved on or after 1 April 2027, you must schedule your interview within 2 years. If approved before that date, within 5 years of approval or by 1 April 2029, whichever comes first.

  • Card delivery

    About 4 to 6 weeks after approval at the interview.

Do's and don'ts

Do

  • Apply online in the TTP System.
  • Bring your original documents to the interview.
  • Book a separate appointment for each family member.

Glasses

The CBSA does not publish photo rules for NEXUS; follow officers' instructions on the day.

Babies and children

Each family member needs their own interview appointment, and a parent, legal guardian or other adult must come with a minor. A letter of consent may be needed if only one parent with custody attends.

No photo is uploaded or printed by the applicant; it is taken digitally by officers at the interview.

Where to submit the photo

Apply online in the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) System. Renewals are done online for US$120, generally without an interview if personal information has not changed. A replacement card (US$25) is requested through your TTP account.

How to get your Canada NEXUS card photo

  1. Check the official requirements. Read the official specification for the Canada NEXUS card. Check the rules on pose, expression, glasses and headwear below.
  2. Take the photo. Follow the key requirements: no photo to supply; fee and validity; documents; interview options.
  3. Prepare a print or digital file. No photo is uploaded or printed by the applicant; it is taken digitally by officers at the interview.
  4. Submit the photo with your application. Apply online in the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) System. Renewals are done online for US$120, generally without an interview if personal information has not changed. A replacement card (US$25) is requested through your TTP account.

Canada NEXUS card photo FAQ

The CBSA's application steps do not ask you to supply a photo. You apply online in the TTP System, and officers take a picture of your face and your fingerprints at the enrolment interview.

The CBSA does not publish photo rules for NEXUS, because officers take the photo. Follow their instructions on the day.

A US$120 non-refundable processing fee for a 5-year membership. The fee is waived for applicants under 18 if a parent or legal guardian is also applying or is already a member. A replacement card costs US$25.

Renewals are done online for US$120, and the CBSA says you generally do not need an interview if your personal information has not changed. If you are called to an interview, officers take any new photo there.

After the interview, the CBSA says approved applicants can expect their card within 4 to 6 weeks.

Yes. Each family member needs their own appointment time, and a parent, legal guardian or other adult must come with a minor.

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Official sources

  1. Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Apply for, renew or replace a NEXUS card - Benefits of the program cbsa-asfc.gc.ca. Checked 29 October 2026.
  2. Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). What you need before you start cbsa-asfc.gc.ca. Checked 29 October 2026.
  3. Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). How to apply cbsa-asfc.gc.ca. Checked 29 October 2026.
  4. Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). After you apply cbsa-asfc.gc.ca. Checked 29 October 2026.
  5. Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Renew or replace cbsa-asfc.gc.ca. Checked 29 October 2026.
  6. Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Schedule a NEXUS interview cbsa-asfc.gc.ca. Checked 29 October 2026.

Requirements can change, so always confirm with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before you apply. WorldPhotoSpecs is independent and not affiliated with any government.

Cite this page

"Canada NEXUS card photo". WorldPhotoSpecs. Last updated 4 November 2026. https://worldphotospecs.org/canada/nexus-card-photo

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