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No retina scan for anything, actually.

NEXUS uses iris scanners [1] for biometric identification. In fact, pretty much anything that is reported as using a 'retina' scan is probably not, and is also an iris scan. Retinas are pretty useless as a biometric, and are quite hard to scan without opthamological equipment. Irises have the dual benefits of being unique to the individual, and visible on the outside of an individual.

[1] http://usa.immigrationvisaforms.com/travel/nexus-iris-scan-l...



Thanks for that clarification! I honestly never considered that technical aspect of the scans, as I do not have Global Entry, and I didn't know that retina scans are technically infeasible to utilize for ID purposes. You've given me something further to research: are iris scans harder to defeat with false information (like specialized contacts) than fingerprint scans (with whatever the hell they can be falsified with). There goes my morning! :)


Iris scans are optional for Nexus as well. It's only require if you want to use the Nexus stations to enter Canada by commercial air.

I have a Nexus card (just got it last month) and if I only use it to enter Canada by land, sea, or private aircraft, I can skip the iris scan.




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