Canada - Obtain FAST or EXPRESS Card

Create Procedure for Canada

Procedure

FAST builds on the Customs Self Assessment (CSA) program as well as on the increased security measures under the Partners in Protection (PIP) program. Importers and carriers must be approved in the CSA program and must have signed a PIP memorandum of understanding to be eligible for FAST. The driver must have a valid FAST card or Commercial Driver Registration Program (CDRP) card.

Note: CDRP cards were first created to handle CSA shipments before FAST was established. The CDRP is a Canadian program and therefore its membership cards are only valid for coming into Canada. FAST is a joint initiative between the United States and Canada so its driver membership cards are recognized on both sides of the border.

All FAST program participants (drivers, carriers and importers) must undergo a risk assessment. FAST-approved participants are identified as low risk, which enables the CBSA to focus its resources and security efforts on travellers of high or unknown risk.

When a FAST-approved driver arrives at the border, he or she presents three bar-coded documents to the border services officer (one for each of the participating parties: the driver, the carrier and the importer). The officer can quickly scan the bar codes while all trade data declarations and verifications are done at a later time, away from the border.

Under FAST, eligible goods arriving for approved companies and transported by approved carriers using registered drivers are cleared into Canada or the United States with greater speed and certainty, which reduces costs for FAST participants.

Also, as of November 25, 2009, FAST members can use their FAST membership card as proof of identity and citizenship to enter Canada in all lanes, including regular highway lanes, even in a non-commercial vehicle.

Each person who wants to participate in the FAST Commercial Driver Program must fill out a separate application form. For more information, please refer to Canada's privacy statement and the United States Privacy Act statement.

Online application

You can apply online to FAST by using the Global Online Enrollment System (GOES) that is operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The process to determine eligibility takes six to eight weeks. Apply online

Paper application

Complete the FAST application form by downloading and filling out the PDF form online, printing it and mailing it in together with the processing fee.

If you qualify, you will be invited to visit an enrolment centre for final processing.

The process to determine eligibility takes six to eight weeks.

Apply using a paper application

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Required Documents

• Valid passport;
• Birth certificate and photo ID;
• Canadian citizenship certificate (with photo) or card; or
• Certificate of Indian Status.

Send photocopies only. Do not send original documents with your application form because they will not be returned to you. You will need to bring the original documents to the enrolment centre for your final processing interview.

Office Locations & Contacts

For more information and updates:

• Call 1-800-842-7647 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. local time)
• Visit a FAST enrolment centre
• Updating mailing and e-mail addresses, visit Online Enrollment System (GOES).
• For general inquiries about CBSA programs or services please Contact Canada Border Services Agency.
• Directory of CBSA Offices

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Eligibility

Your participation in the FAST program is strictly voluntary. If you choose to complete the application form, the information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility. During the application process, some of the information requested will be designated as optional. Your eligibility to participate in FAST will not be affected by whether you provide the optional information.

Each person who wants to participate in the FAST Commercial Driver Program must fill out a separate application form.

Fees

• The non-refundable FAST processing fee for drivers is $50 (payable in Canadian or U.S. funds).
• There is no fee for FAST carriers or importers.

Validity

The FAST membership card for drivers is valid for five years provided that the member continues to meet all the terms and conditions of the program and complies with all applicable laws and regulations.

Documents to Use

Online application

Paper application

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Sample Documents

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Processing Time

If you qualify, you will be invited to visit an enrolment centre for final processing. The process to determine eligibility takes six to eight weeks.

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Instructions

The CBSA and industry are mutually committed to maintaining the FAST program requirements and they work together to achieve compliance and to find solutions to problems.

Dedicated FAST lanes have been established at a number of major border crossings.

You may qualify to participate in the program if you are a citizen or permanent resident of Canada or the United States and you reside in Canada or the United States. You must also be 18 years old or over and possess a valid driver's license. You must be admissible to Canada and the United States under applicable immigration laws.

It is a voluntary program that enables the CBSA to work closely with the private sector to enhance border security, combat organized crime and terrorism, and prevent contraband smuggling. 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.

Required Information

• Full names
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Gender
• Citizenship
• Nationality
• Contact address

Need for the Document

The Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program is a commercial clearance program designed to ensure safety and security while expediting legitimate trade across the CanadaU.S. border.

FAST is a joint initiative between the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection that enhances border and trade chain security while making cross-border commercial shipments simpler and subject to fewer delays.

Information which might help

Note: If you are inadmissible to Canada on the grounds of your criminal history and you are a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, you can apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada's (CIC) Criminal Rehabilitation Program. Qualifying for this program may help you meet the eligibility criteria for the FAST Commercial Driver Program.

General information on the criminal rehabilitation program is available on CIC's Web site. To request an application kit or to receive more information on this program, please call: 905-994-6464.

Other uses of the Document/Certificate

• You gain access to dedicated lanes (where available) for faster and more efficient border clearance;
• In all highway lanes, including the regular, non-dedicated lanes, you can use your FAST membership card as proof of identity and a document that denotes citizenship when entering Canada;
• FAST is a streamlined process that reduces delivery times and landed costs of imports;
• There is no need to transmit transactional data for every transaction;
• Minimal documentation required to clear the border;
• FAST provides increased certainty at the border resulting in fewer delays;
• FAST is a unified, ongoing partnership with the CBSA;
• The program promotes Canadian competitiveness; and
• The program advances voluntary compliance and self-assessment.

External Links

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/fast-expres/driv-chauff-eng.html

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/fast-expres/cond-modal-eng.html

Others

You may not qualify if the following applies:

• You provide false or incomplete information on your application;
• You have been convicted of a criminal offence in any country for which you have not received a pardon;
• You have been found in violation of customs or immigration law; or
• You fail to meet requirements of the FAST Commercial Driver Program.

Both Canada and the United States must approve your application. If you do not meet the requirements of both countries, your application will be denied.