Do you want to reduce immigration clearance wait times when arriving at a U.S. airport from international travel? You may be able to skip long immigration lines after approval by completing a Global Entry application.
Find out how you can avail of Global Entry membership privileges in this article.
What is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a program offered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to eligible U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. The Global Entry program provides eligible citizens a faster way to enter the United States through U.S. Customs.
As a Global Entry member, you may experience shorter customs wait times compared to standard processing.
When you receive your Global Entry card, you proceed to a self-service kiosk which will scan your face and examine your information on file. The expedited process often allows travelers to bypass standard customs lines and proceed to baggage claim.
Who Are Eligible To Submit The Global Entry Application Form?
You can only fill out the global entry application form if you are eligible. Please note that citizens of the U.S. and United States lawful permanent residents can apply for Global Entry membership. In addition, a legal permanent resident with a “green card” may also apply for Global Entry.
Citizens of the following countries may also fill out and receive a Global Entry application form, Argentina, Brazil, Bahrain, India, Colombia, Germany, Panama, Netherlands, United Kingdom, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Mexican Nationals, and Switzerland.
Please note that the list above varies on the internet, but the list here is from the cbp.gov site.
Citizens and residents of Canada can also enjoy Global Entry member privileges through their NEXUS program membership. The NEXUS program is like Global Entry but for Canadian residents.
Travelers under 18 years old must have the consent of a parent or legal guardian to participate in the program.
What Will I Need For My Global Entry Application Form?
To take advantage of the benefits of Global Entry membership, you must fill out the Global Entry application form.
The application process requires some documents, which will depend on your citizenship. You must take the following documents to the interview. You may need some of the information from these documents on your application.
To help you prepare, we have listed them here. You will only need the ones that apply to you; for example, if you are a U.S. citizen, you will not need evidence of legality or proof of a “green card.”
- Proof of citizenship
- Passport
- Evidence that you can legally enter the United States
- Permanent U.S. Resident Card that is original with a machine-readable zone.
- Valid driver’s license
- Proof of residence
Can I Fill Out A Global Entry Application Form Online?
The Global Entry application form is available online through the TTP website.
The application form will require the following information:
- An email address (to create a Login.gov account)
- Address history for the past five years
- Employment history for the past five years
- Past five-year history of International Travel
- Court documents (if convicted of a crime other than a traffic violation)
- Vehicle information (if you are crossing the border in a car from Mexico into the United States)
- Phone number(s)
- Documentation to prove any other citizenships (if any)
Once you have compiled this information, you can start the application process on the government TTP website.
Processing times vary and may take several months or longer, depending on application volume. The process requires a rigorous background check, and the number of people applying has increased with travel opening back up.
What To Expect When I Complete My Global Entry Application Form?
After completing your Global Entry application form, follow the steps below:
Payment of Fee
After completing the application form online, the page will prompt you to pay a non-refundable application fee.
Pending Review Status
Your payment is successful when you see a “Pending Review” status on your application. It also means that a CBP officer is reviewing your application. Check your email to see if you received something to verify the status of your application. The email will prompt you to log into the TTP website.
Conditional Approval, Schedule Interview
If the CBP officer grants conditional approval, you will schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. The application status will change to “Schedule Interview,” and you can select an interview date, time, and Enrollment Center.
If you need to reschedule or cancel the interview, you can make the change through the TTP website by clicking “Reschedule Interview” or “Cancel Interview.” Clicking on “Cancel Interview” could cause the cancellation of your application, so it’s better to reschedule your appointment.
Scheduling an interview takes up to a year to find an available time. So start your process ASAP.
In-Person Interview
The interviews take place at specific locations, and you may need to travel quite a few miles to do your interview. You must also complete an interview within 730 days of your approval.
When you go to your interview, you will need your passport and some type of I.D., such as a driver’s license or I.D. card. U. S. lawful permanent residents will present a machine-readable permanent resident card.
Alternative Method To An Interview
After your application is “conditionally approved” for Global Entry, you can complete the enrollment process during your Customs and Border Protection (CBP) primary inspection instead of setting up an appointment at an Enrollment Center.
It will take place at airports that offer this service when you arrive at a U.S. customs check-in. You will go to a booth designated for Enrollment on Arrival.
Most customs check-in areas have signs directing you where to go for this process.
What To Expect With My Membership Approval, Activation, and Validity
Your approved Global Entry membership is valid for five years. You must activate your card before using it by logging into your TTP account. To activate it, log into your TTP account and select “Activate Membership Card” under the “Program Membership Section” to activate your card.
If you have an address in the U.S., you will receive your card in the mail. If you do not have a U.S. address, you will claim it at your designated U.S. point of contact or Global Entry Enrollment Center.
Is Global Entry the Same as TSA PreCheck®?
No, these two programs are different. Global Entry is a program for expedited customs screening when entering the U.S. On the other hand, TSA PreCheck® is a program for expedited security screening for flights departing from U.S. airports.
Global Entry membership includes access to TSA PreCheck® benefits. The reverse does not apply, though. TSA PreCheck® does not include Global Entry membership.
Your travel needs will determine what program is best for you. TSA PreCheck® is suitable for domestic travelers. If you travel internationally four or more times a year, Global Entry is the program for you.
If I Have TSA PreCheck®, Will It Help With My Global Entry Application Form?
Having TSA PreCheck® approval does not affect your application form in any way. It does not guarantee Global Entry application approval.
If your Global Entry application is unsuccessful and you have TSA PreCheck®, you still enjoy expedited screening when departing from U.S. airports.
FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about the topic:
Can you walk in to apply for Global Entry?
Some application officers will accept walk-ins. If you need your Global entry soon, it is worth a try, but there is no guarantee.
How long does it take for Global Entry application to be approved?
Wait times can vary widely and may take several months or longer, often influenced by interview availability. The process can take longer due to high application volumes and limited in-person interview slots.
How long is a Global Entry interview?
Once you get in, the interview is only about 15 minutes. Most of the process takes place before your face-to-face meeting.
Additional Resources
If you are looking for more tutorials, walkthroughs, and troubleshooting on TSA, here are some additional posts about TSA:
Conclusion
Global Entry membership can help make entry into the United States faster and more streamlined. Follow the clear-cut steps to submit your Global Entry application form. And once approved, you can begin enjoying the benefits of Global Entry membership.
We hope this article helped. Thanks for reading, and have a great journey!