Recourse - Appeals/Reviews
How to request a review for membership in a Trusted Traveller Program

Who should use this process

You should use this process if:

• You have made an application to a Trusted Traveller Program (NEXUS, CANPASS, FAST, CDRP) which has been rejected; or
• Your membership in a Trusted Traveller Program has been cancelled or suspended.

How to request a review

Officials in the CBSA's Recourse Directorate are responsible for conducting impartial reviews.

Your request for review must be submitted within 90 days from the date the rejection, suspension or cancellation of your membership becomes effective. It becomes effective either (1) immediately when notified in person or (2) 15 days after the notice is mailed to you.

To request a review of a Trusted Traveller decision, you may either:

1. Submit an E-Appeal online; or
2. Submit your request in writing to the
   Recourse Directorate,
   Canada Border Services Agency,
   333 North River Road, Tower A, 11th Floor
   Ottawa, ON K1A 0L8

Your request must include the following information:

• Your name;
• Your current address;
• Your daytime telephone number;
• The applicable Trusted Traveller program (NEXUS, CANPASS, FAST, CDRP) for which you are requesting a review;
• Your Client ID;
• A detailed explanation of the circumstances leading to the rejection or suspension/cancellation;
• A certified criminal record check (if applicable);
• Authorization to communicate with your representative (if applicable); and
• Any other relevant supporting information or documents.

Failure to include this information may result in delays in your review. 

Review process

You will be notified via letter that your application for review has been received by the Recourse Directorate. If your request was submitted online, you will be notified instantly.

Your request will then be assigned to a Recourse official who will review all of the information provided and who may contact you for additional information if necessary.

You will be notified of the decision and supported reasons by registered letter.

If you do not agree with a decision taken by the Recourse Directorate

While there is no automatic right of appeal for this decision, the Federal Court has jurisdiction to review the legality of actions of federal offices. If you think the Minister's discretion has not been properly exercised, you may apply for judicial review of this decision under section 18.1 of the Federal Courts Act. Such application must be made within 30 days from the time this decision is communicated to you. Information about the process for filing applications for judicial review may be found on the Federal Court Web site. You may also contact one of the Court Registry Offices directly.

Additional information

For additional information, you can refer to CBSA Memorandum D2-5-0, Legislative Requirements for the Presentation of Persons at a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Office.

For additional information regarding the applicable legislative and regulatory authorities, see section 11 of the Customs Act and the Presentation of Persons Regulations.

Date modified:

2021-07-26