Canadian Nexus Applications Experience Steep Decline in 2025
The number of Canadian applications for the Nexus trusted-traveller program dropped dramatically last year, falling by more than half from 2024 levels. According to data from the Canada Border Services Agency, just under 245,000 Canadians applied for the border pass in 2025, down sharply from over 530,000 applications the previous year.
Fee Increase Contributes to Application Drop-Off
George Laczko, who operates Border Cards, an Ontario-based company assisting with border card applications, reported witnessing a significant decrease in Nexus applications throughout 2025. He identified the October 2024 price increase as a primary factor, with the application fee more than doubling from US$50 to $120.
"People have a sticker-price shock in the beginning," Laczko explained regarding the fee adjustment. "People are kind of going, 'Ah, it's not worth it. I'll skip the service.'"
Laczko estimated that approximately 10 percent of his clients, who he described as mainly upper-middle-class and relatively insulated from financial pressures, have opted out of the Nexus program specifically due to the increased cost.
Diverging Trends Between Canadian and U.S. Applications
While U.S. applications for Nexus also declined in 2025, the drop was less severe than that experienced in Canada. American applications fell to 92,000 from 145,000 the previous year, representing a 36 percent decrease according to CBSA statistics.
This disparity between Canadian and U.S. application declines may signal broader trends in cross-border travel patterns. Statistics Canada recently reported that the number of Canadian vehicles crossing into the United States decreased by approximately one-third in 2025 compared to 2024, representing a reduction of roughly 7.6 million vehicles.
Multiple Factors Deterring Canadian Travel to the U.S.
A recent survey conducted by Flight Centre Canada suggests this travel pattern may continue into 2026. The research found that 62 percent of Canadians were less likely to visit the United States this year compared to 2025, when Canadian travel already faced challenges from U.S. presidential tariffs.
The survey identified several key concerns influencing Canadian travel decisions:
- Political climate considerations
- Border hassles and travel restrictions
- Safety and security concerns
- Unfavorable exchange rates
Additionally, the report noted that "more than four in ten Canadians (42 percent) say 'Canada Strong' will define their travel mindset in 2026 — signalling a clear intent to explore closer to home."
Long-Term Decline in Application Volume
Laczko reported that his business has experienced a substantial reduction in Nexus application volume over time. "When I first started in 2009, I would work on 100 to 150 applications per month," he recalled. "Now we're doing maybe 20 at most."
The expert also noted instances of clients abandoning applications already in progress, with two such cases occurring just this week. "I actually had two this week — people who sent in their application and then just said, 'No, I don't want to go forward'," Laczko stated, though he acknowledged these clients didn't specify their reasons for withdrawal.
The combination of increased costs, travel concerns, and shifting consumer preferences appears to be reshaping Canadian travel patterns and border crossing behaviors, with significant implications for the Nexus program's future enrollment.
