How To Obtain FAST or EXPRESS Card In Canada

FAST builds upon the Customs Self Assessment (CSA) program and also on the new security measures that are part of the Partners in Protection (PIP) program. Importers and carriers have to be approved under the CSA program and have signed an PIP memorandum of understanding in order to be qualified to apply for FAST. The driver must possess an FAST card that is valid or a Commercial Driver Registration Program (CDRP) card.
Note that CDRP cards were originally designed to manage CSA shipment prior to FAST being established. The CDRP is an Canadian program, so their membership cards can valid when entering Canada. FAST is a partnership initiative of both the United States and Canada so the driver membership cards of FAST are accepted by both sides of the border.
Participants in the FAST program (drivers or importers, as well as carriers) are subject to an assessment of risk. Participants who are approved by FAST are deemed to be low risk, allowing the CBSA to concentrate its security and resources on travelers with high risk or with unknown risks.
If a driver who is FAST-approved arrives on the other side of the border, he is required to present three barcoded documents to the border security agent (one per individuals: the driver, the transporter, and the importer). The officer will swiftly scan these bar codes, while the declarations of trade data and verifications are completed later at a distance of the frontier.
In FAST, the eligible goods that are delivered to approved businesses and being transported by approved carriers with registered drivers are transported to Canada as well as into the United States with greater speed and security, which lowers the cost for FAST participants.
As on the 25th of November, 2009 FAST members are able to use their membership card from FAST as evidence of their identity and citizenship to get into Canada on all lanes including regular highway lanes even in non-commercial vehicles.
Anyone who wishes to be a part of the FAST Commercial Driver Program must complete an application form in a separate manner. For more information, look up Canada’s privacy statement as well as the United States Privacy Act statement.

Application for online use

Apply online for FAST applying through this Global Online Enrollment System (GOES) which is managed through U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The process of determining the eligibility of applicants takes between six and eight weeks. Fill out an online application
Paper application
Fill out the FAST application form through downloading, filling in the form online. Then by printing it, then mailing it with the processing fee.
If you are eligible If you qualify, you’ll be invited to visit an enrollment center to complete your application.
The process of determining eligibility can take anywhere from six to eight weeks.
Apply with an application in paper

Documents Required Obtain FAST or EXPRESS Card

Valid passport;
The birth certificate, along with a photo identification
Canadian citizen document (with picture) (or card);
Certificate of Indian Status.

Only send photocopies. Do not include original documents in your application as they won’t return to you. You must take the original document to the centre of enrolment to be interviewed for your final processing.

Office Locations and Contacts

For updates and more information:

Contact us at 1-800-842-7647 (Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. the local time)
Visit a FAST enrolment centre
For updating addresses for mailing and e-mail For mailing and e-mail addresses, go to online enrollment System (GOES).
For general queries regarding CBSA services or programs, contact Canada Border Services Agency.
Directories of the CBSA Offices

What Are All The Eligibility

Participation to FAST is completely voluntary. FAST program is completely voluntary. If you decide to fill out your application on paper, all details provided can be utilized to assess your eligibility. When you apply certain required information will be marked as non-essential. The possibility of participating in FAST is not affected by the fact that you have provided the information requested as optional.
Anyone who wishes to take part in the FAST Commercial Driver Program must complete an application form.

Fees

The fee for processing FAST that is not refundable per driver is 50 dollars (payable with Canadian as well as U.S. funds).
There is no charge for FAST transporters or importers.

Validity

The FAST driver’s membership card is valid for 5 years, in the event that the participant is able to comply with all conditions and rules of the program and is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Documents to Utilize

Online application

Paper application

Processing Time

If you’re eligible You will then be invited to an enrollment center for final approval. The process of determining the eligibility of a person takes between six and eight weeks.

Instructions

The CBSA and the industry are committed to the FAST program’s requirements. They cooperate to ensure compliance and solve problems.
Special FAST lanes are in place at numerous important border crossings.
You could be eligible to take part within the scheme if are a permanent or citizen residents from Canada as well as the United States and you reside in Canada or in the United States. You must be 18 or older and have an active driver’s license. You must also be able to enter Canada as well as to the United States under applicable immigration laws.
It’s a program that’s voluntary which allows the CBSA to collaborate and with businesses to increase security at the border, fight terrorist acts and organized crime and to stop the illegal smuggling of contraband. In the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative members of FAST who have Canadian as well as U.S. citizens can use their membership card with FAST as an alternative for passports when they travel to into the United States by land or water. The permanent resident from Canada as well as those who reside in the United States still require a passport and visa (if necessary) for entry into to the United States.

The Information You Need

Full names
Birth date
Birthplace of the child
Gender
Citizenship
Nationality
Contact details

Documentation is needed

The Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program is a program to clear commercial trade created to ensure security and safety while expediting genuine trade along the CanadaU.S. border.
FAST is a joint effort by both the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection which improves security of trade chains and border crossings and makes cross-border commercial shipping easier and less prone to delays.

Information that can be useful

Be aware that if you are not able to enter Canada due to your criminal record and are a permanent or citizen residents of the United States, you can apply for Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s (CIC) Criminal Rehabilitation Program. The program’s eligibility may aid you in meeting the eligibility requirements for FAST Commercial Driver Program. FAST Commercial Driver Program.
The general information about the Criminal Rehabilitation Program is available on the CIC’s website. For an application form or for more information regarding this program, please call 905-994-6464.

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

Other

You might not be eligible If the following conditions apply:

You’ve provided incorrect or inaccurate information in your application.
You’ve been found guilty of a crime in any country in which you have not been granted pardon;
You were found to be in the violation of immigration or customs laws; or
You do not meet the conditions for the FAST Commercial Driver Program.

Both Canada as well as both Canada and the United States must approve your application. Both countries must accept your. If you fail to satisfy the requirements for both nations, then your request could be rejected.

How To Obtain FAST or EXPRESS Card In Canada