The Canadian Nexus trusted-traveller program has seen a sharp decline in applications since the return of U.S. President Donald Trump to the White House. Data from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) indicates that applications had been steadily rising post the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in 2025, only about 350,000 applications were received, half of the previous year’s nearly 700,000 applicants.
Nexus is a program jointly operated with the U.S., allowing pre-screened travelers to expedite border crossings and airport security. The decrease in 2025 applications is significant compared to 2022 and 2023, which faced substantial backlogs due to bilateral disagreements that were resolved in mid-2023.
While Americans also utilize the Nexus program, the majority of members are Canadian. The drop in application numbers in 2025 may be attributed to increased application fees in 2024 and a broader trend of Canadians distancing themselves from the U.S. during the second Trump administration.
Statistics show a decline in Canadian vehicles crossing the U.S. border, with a notable 30.9% decrease in 2025 compared to the previous year. A report by the U.S. Travel Association forecasts a 3.2% reduction in international tourism spending in 2025, primarily due to fewer Canadian visitors.
Beyond travel data, there is evidence of Canadians reducing interactions with the U.S. in various aspects, as shown in a CBC News analysis of trade, shopping, and cultural trends. Political tensions between Canada and the U.S. have escalated since Trump’s re-election, with recent disputes and strained relations between the two countries.
Senator Paula Simons has proposed a domestic alternative to the Nexus program for Canadian travelers to streamline airport security processes. She highlighted the need for Canada to establish its verified traveler program independent of the U.S., similar to the TSA PreCheck program in the U.S. Simons emphasized the importance of human rights considerations, particularly regarding gender markers on Nexus applications, which could be seen as discriminatory.
Overall, the decline in Nexus applications reflects broader shifts in Canadian-U.S. relations and travel patterns, prompting discussions on alternative trusted-traveler programs within Canada.