If you’re applying for a Nexus card soon, there’s a new twist that might leave some Canadians frustrated—and it has nothing to do with airport lines.
As of early 2025, Canadians applying for or renewing a Nexus card are no longer allowed to select “X” as a gender marker on their application. Instead, you’ll be forced to choose either “M” (male) or “F” (female), regardless of what your Canadian passport or other ID might say.
This shift wasn’t made by Canada, but by the United States. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) updated their system to comply with an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump, which mandates that only two sexes—male and female—are recognized on official documents like visas and passports.
Since the Nexus application process runs through a U.S.-operated platform, even Canadian applicants are now stuck following these rules. According to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), this change has been in effect since February, though many travellers are only starting to feel the impact now.
The Nexus program—used by over 1.8 million Canadians—offers expedited travel between Canada and the U.S., and even helps speed up domestic airport processes. But for those who identify outside the traditional gender binary, the latest policy puts them in a difficult spot.
Here’s the fine print: if your current Nexus card already includes an “X” gender marker, it’s still valid. But when it comes time to renew or replace your card, you’ll be required to pick either male or female—no exceptions.
This move has sparked backlash from 2SLGBTQ+ advocates, who argue the change contradicts Canada’s own policies on gender inclusivity. Since 2019, Canadians have been able to use “X” markers on passports, citizenship documents, and PR cards. But when it comes to international travel, Canada can’t control how other countries handle gender recognition.
A spokesperson for the CBSA stressed that while Canada continues to support gender-diverse individuals, travellers need to be aware of the legal and social frameworks in the countries they’re visiting.
So if you’re planning cross-border travel, especially as a non-binary or trans traveller, this is more than just red tape—it’s a reminder that international systems don’t always align, and your ID might not tell the whole story.
