The Canadian Nexus trusted-traveller program has experienced a significant decrease in applications since the return of U.S. President Donald Trump to office last year. Data from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) indicates that the number of applications dropped by half in 2025, with just under 350,000 applications compared to nearly 700,000 the previous year.
Nexus, a program jointly operated with the U.S., facilitates expedited security clearance for travelers who have undergone thorough background checks. The decline in applications in 2025 is notable, especially in comparison to the backlog experienced in 2022 and 2023 due to bilateral disagreements that were only resolved in mid-2023.
While Americans also utilize the Nexus program, the majority of its members are Canadian. The decrease in new applicants in 2025 could be attributed to the application fee increase in 2024, but it also reflects a broader trend of Canadians distancing themselves from the U.S. during Trump’s second administration.
Statistics Canada reported a 30.9% decline in Canadian vehicles crossing the U.S. border in 2025 compared to the previous year. Additionally, a U.S. Travel Association forecast predicts a 3.2% reduction in international tourism spending for 2025, largely due to decreased Canadian visitors.
Beyond travel statistics, a CBC News analysis reveals that Canadians are shifting away from U.S. trade, shopping, and cultural interactions. Tensions between Canada and the U.S. heightened after Trump’s re-election, with conflicts over tariffs and trade negotiations.
In response to the drop in Nexus applications, Senator Paula Simons proposed a domestic alternative for expedited airport security for Canadians. She advocated for a separate verified traveler program for Canada, highlighting the need for independence from the U.S. in such security initiatives.
Simons pointed out that the U.S. has its own TSA PreCheck program, distinct from Nexus, and emphasized a human rights perspective in advocating for a separate trusted-traveler program. She criticized the U.S.’s requirement for a binary gender selection on Nexus applications, stating that it discriminates against individuals who identify as trans, non-binary, or two-spirit.
