“Canadian Nexus Applications Plummet Amid U.S. Relations Strain”

The number of Canadian applications for the Nexus trusted-traveller program has significantly dropped since U.S. President Donald Trump resumed office last year, according to data from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Despite a steady increase in applications following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the border agency noted that in 2025, it received nearly half the number of applications, totaling just under 350,000, compared to the previous year when almost 700,000 travellers applied for a Nexus card.

Nexus, a program jointly operated with the U.S., allows pre-screened travelers to expedite security clearance at border crossings and airports. The 2025 application figures indicate a substantial decline even when compared to 2022 and 2023, which experienced significant delays due to bilateral disputes only resolved in mid-2023.

Shift in Canadian Views on U.S.

While Americans also utilize the program, the majority of Nexus members are Canadian.

The reduced new applicant numbers in 2025 could be attributed to the application fee hike in 2024 but also signal a broader trend of Canadians distancing themselves from the U.S. during Trump’s second term.

Recent data from Statistics Canada revealed a 30.9% decrease in the number of Canadian vehicles crossing the border into the U.S. and returning compared to 2024.

Furthermore, a U.S. Travel Association report predicts a 3.2% decline in international tourism spending in 2025, amounting to a $5.7 billion loss compared to the previous year, with diminished Canadian visitors contributing significantly to this decline.

WATCH | Canadian land travel to U.S. fell more than 30% last year:

Canadian land travel to U.S. dropped 30.9% in 2025, says StatsCan

January 23|

Duration 2:35

Statistics Canada reports a 30.9% decline in Canadian vehicles visiting the United States in 2025 compared to the previous year. This decline of approximately 7.6 million vehicles is considered significant by StatsCan. CBC’s Dalson Chen provides insights.

Aside from travel statistics, a CBC News analysis of trade, shopping, and cultural trends underscores a noticeable retreat of Canadians from engagements with the U.S.

Political tensions between Canada and the U.S. escalated post-Trump’s re-election, with the president disparaging Canada and imposing tariffs on Canadian goods.

While tensions slightly eased during negotiations for tariff relief, they resurged when Trump abruptly ended talks, citing an Ontario government ad using Reagan’s arguments against tariffs.

In recent interactions, Trump’s rhetoric towards Prime Minister Mark Carney has become increasingly confrontational.