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Support help line: 1-866-760-2623
Fast Card
FAST Card is an initiative from the US Customs and Border Protection designed to expedite land
crossing between Canada and the US for commercial truck drivers.
What is a FAST Card?
FAST card is a trusted traveler program initiated by United States Customs and Border
Protection (CBP). It allows low risk pre-approved commercial truck drivers to cross
the US – Canada border without waiting in long lines.
How long is FAST Card valid?
FAST Card is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. Providing a driver files
a renewal request before the card expires, the card will remain valid until a new
card is activated.
Do I need to have a passport if I am a FAST Card member?
No. You do not need to carry a passport if you are an approved FAST Driver. FAST
Card is accepted in place of a passport at all land and sea crossings between the
US and Canada. It is compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). If you
are a permanent resident of another country you should carry your passport and any
visas required to enter the USA.
I have a criminal record. Am I eligible for the FAST Card?
No. The FAST Driver program is only open to low risk drivers who have no immigration
or criminal violations against them.
My FAST Card is not working in the FAST lane. What should I do?
Get in touch with your nearest FAST Enrollment Center. They will issue you another card
free of charge.
I am not a Canadian citizen. Can I still apply for the FAST card program?
You can apply for FAST Card if you are a citizen or permanent resident of the US
or Canada. You must have a valid driver’s license from either Canada or the US and
be 18 years of age or over. If you are a permanent resident you must hold a valid
PR Card and have lived in Canada or the US for 3 out of the last 5 year period.
What is the difference between NEXUS and FAST?
FAST Card is only available to commercial truck drivers and can only be used at
land and sea crossings. NEXUS is available to all Canadian and US citizens and permanent
residents who meet the program requirements. The NEXUS card allows people to cross
the US Canada land and sea border in a private vehicle or on foot. It is also valid
for air travel between the US and Canada.
What happens when I submit an application for a FAST Card?
Your application is checked with law enforcement, customs and immigration authorities
in both the US and Canada. If you have any violations relating to these departments
you application will be denied. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you will
be conditionally approved and invited for an interview at the FAST Enrollment Center of your choice.
How long does it take to get a FAST Card?
It takes around 4 to 6 weeks to get your application conditionally approved approved.
Then you must schedule an interview at a FAST Enrollment Center. Interview slots are available every
week at some enrollment centers but may be scarcer at others. If you need your card
in a hurry you are advised to check interview availability at several enrollment
centers. Once you have attended your interview and been approved as a low risk driver
you will receive your FAST Card in the mail within 10 days.
What happens at the FAST interview?
The interviewing officer asks you questions about your work and travel to the US.
He/she also goes through your application form to ensure that all of your data has
been entered accurately. A digital photo is taken and your fingerprints are digitally
scanned. After this the officer will go through the rules of the FAST Card program.
I am a permenant resident of Canada to apply for the Fast Card do i need to have
a US visa or my passport is enough to apply.
Under the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, FAST members who are Canadian
or U.S. citizens can use their FAST membership card as an alternative document to
the passport when entering the United States by land or water. Permanent residents
of Canada or the United States still require a passport and visa (if applicable)
to enter the United States.
Please visit the following site to see if you need to apply for a US Visa:
http://usvisa-info.com/en-CA/selfservice/us_do_i_need_to_apply
How much does a fast card cost? Also If My passport comes in first can I cross with
that only? I am a new truck driver and am going to be going to the USA with this
company which I have not done before. I am looking for my quickest way to get working
and also want both these meaning the fast card and passport and am sending both
out. Thank you.
The advantage of using the Fast membership is that you are cleared into Canada or
the United States with greater speed and efficiency.
The fee to apply is non-refundable CAN$50 per applicant.
Your participation in the FAST program is strictly voluntary; so you would be able
to use your passport prior to you waiting for your FAST Card.
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