A Canadian passport and a Nexus card are seen side by side in a photo taken in Ottawa on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. (Credit: The Canadian Press)
Canadians who apply or renew their Nexus cards can no longer choose the "X" gender marker. This change follows a rule from U.S. President Donald Trump. It allows only "male" or "female" to be selected.
This rule began in February 2025.
Canadians Must Pick Male or Female
People applying for a Nexus card must now pick either "male" or "female." Even if their Canadian passport shows "X" as gender, the Nexus system won’t accept it.
A spokesperson for Canada’s Border Services confirmed this. He said the U.S. system handles the Nexus application process. So, Canada must follow U.S. rules.
However, current cards with "X" on them will stay valid until they expire. Nexus memberships last for five years.
Nexus Is Run by Both Canada and U.S.
Nexus is a trusted-traveller program for faster border crossing between the two countries. Both Canada and the U.S. run the program. But the computer system is managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. That’s where the change was made.
Although Canada recognizes the "X" gender marker, it cannot promise that other countries will do the same.
“Not all countries share Canada’s laws or values,” said the spokesperson.
He advised travelers to learn about gender identity laws in their destination country.
Experts Call the Change Harmful
Helen Kennedy, who works to protect LGBTQ+ rights, criticized the rule. She said it forces people to pick a gender that doesn’t match who they are. She called it a "step backward" for trans and non-binary Canadians.
“This policy comes from the U.S., but it hurts people in both countries,” Kennedy said. She urged Canada to stand up for gender rights.
Lawyers Say This Creates Conflict
Sarah Mikhail, an immigration lawyer, said this move shows how U.S. policies now clash with Canada’s.
She said the change may cause confusion at the border. A traveler’s Nexus card may show a gender that doesn’t match their passport. This could lead to delays, questions, or extra checks.
She explained, “The border can be a stressful place. A mismatch in documents could make it worse for trans and non-binary people.”
Canada Says Its Passport Policy Won’t Change
A spokesperson for Canada’s public safety minister said the U.S. is in charge of the Nexus system. Canada cannot change how the U.S. handles applications.
Still, he said Canada remains committed to gender inclusion.
“There are no plans to remove the ‘X’ marker from Canadian passports,” he said.
He added that the government understands people are upset. But no legal action has been reported so far.
Canada’s Travel Advice for 'X' Passport Holders
Canada warns that some countries don’t accept passports with the "X" marker. Travelers might still be asked to pick either male or female. This could lead to more checks or even refusal to enter.
