Can You Get a NEXUS Card with a DUI or Criminal Record?
If you’re a frequent traveler between the United States and Canada, a NEXUS card can save you hours of waiting at the border. But what happens if you have a DUI or other criminal conviction on your record? Unfortunately, even a single impaired driving offense can disqualify you from the NEXUS program—and the rules are more complex than most people realize.
This guide explains how DUIs and criminal records affect NEXUS eligibility, why Criminal Rehabilitation alone may not be enough, and what options you have if you’ve been denied.
Quick Answer: Can You Get NEXUS with a DUI?
In most cases, no. A DUI conviction typically disqualifies you from NEXUS membership because:
• NEXUS requires approval from both the United States AND Canada
• Canada classifies DUI as “serious criminality” since December 2018
• NEXUS requires applicants to be “low-risk” travelers with clean records
• Even old DUIs (10, 20, or 30+ years ago) can result in denial
What is the NEXUS Program?
NEXUS is a trusted traveler program jointly administered by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Members enjoy expedited border crossings through dedicated lanes at land crossings, self-serve kiosks at airports, and simplified entry procedures. The program costs $50 USD for a five-year membership.
How a DUI Affects NEXUS Eligibility
Since December 2018, Canada has classified impaired driving as “serious criminality” under the Criminal Code, with a maximum possible sentence of 10 years imprisonment. This means any DUI, DWI, OWI, DWAI, or similar offense is considered a serious criminal offense for Canadian immigration purposes.
Unlike regular border crossing where you only need to satisfy one country’s requirements, NEXUS demands approval from both. This creates a double barrier: even if the U.S. might overlook a DUI, Canada will flag it as serious criminality.
Will Criminal Rehabilitation Help Me Get NEXUS?
This is one of the most common misconceptions. Criminal Rehabilitation makes you admissible to Canada—meaning you can legally enter the country. However, NEXUS has separate and stricter standards than general admissibility.
Key distinction: Criminal Rehabilitation removes your inadmissibility but does not erase your criminal record. NEXUS officers can still see your full criminal history during the application review.
Options If You’ve Been Denied NEXUS
• Apply for Criminal Rehabilitation: Ensures you can enter Canada through regular border crossings
• Pursue Record Expungement: May improve chances more than CR alone
• Travel Without NEXUS: Once you have CR, cross through standard procedures
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I appeal a NEXUS denial?
NEXUS denials can be reconsidered through a formal reconsideration request, but there is no traditional appeals process.
What if my DUI was 20+ years ago?
Age of the offense matters, but doesn’t guarantee approval. NEXUS officers still see your full history.
Can I get NEXUS after Criminal Rehabilitation?
Possibly, but not guaranteed. CR makes you admissible but doesn’t erase your record.
How Dogen Law Can Help
While Dogen Law cannot guarantee NEXUS approval, we can help you take the necessary steps to maximize your chances of traveling to Canada through Criminal Rehabilitation applications, assessment of your situation, and TRP applications for immediate access.
Complete our free eligibility assessment to discuss your situation with our team.
