OTTAWA – A significant change has occurred in the Nexus travel card application process for Canadians, particularly affecting individuals seeking to identify their gender as "X". Following an executive order from U.S. President Donald Trump, beginning in February 2025, applicants renewing or applying for Nexus cards can no longer select the "X" gender marker. This decision reflects a broader policy shift whereby the U.S. government will only officially recognize the male and female designations.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has confirmed that while new applicants and those renewing their Nexus membership can apply using a Canadian passport that features the "X" gender identifier, they will nonetheless be required to select either "male" or "female" for their Nexus membership. This directive places a limitation on how individuals can represent their gender in the Nexus program, which is designed to facilitate faster border crossings between Canada and the United States.
Despite this new requirement, existing Nexus members who currently identify with a gender other than "male" or "female" will continue to have their cards recognized as valid. This provides a degree of continuity for current cardholders amidst the changes being implemented. The spokesperson further clarified that although the Nexus program is a joint initiative between Canada and the U.S., the application processes are managed via a system operated by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Nexus memberships, which are valid for five years, offer expedited passage at border checkpoints—a benefit that many frequent travelers between Canada and the U.S. have come to rely upon. However, the recent policy shift has raised concerns regarding the inclusivity and recognition of non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals within the framework of this cross-border program.
The announcement about these changes was made on August 6, 2025, highlighting the evolving regulatory landscape regarding gender identification in official documents. As societal discussions around gender identity continue to advance, the implications of this policy will likely be closely monitored by advocacy groups and individuals affected by these regulations.
Overall, the new stipulations regarding the Nexus program reflect ongoing tensions and developments in gender recognition policies, particularly in a cross-border context involving U.S. laws and Canadian practices. The adjustments made to the application process emphasize the complexities faced by individuals seeking alignment between their legal recognition and personal identity during their travel experiences.
