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A guide on how to apply and get global entry interview faster

The Unavailability Global entry interview is now denying people the opportunity to join this program and enjoy the massive benefits it has to offer. Many enrollment centers don’t have any single spot for interviews at this moment. 

What do you do if you really need to get your Global entry interview done with? Well, the issue can seem a little bit complicated. However, there’s a way to go round it and get your interview faster. 

Most of this delay on interviews are as a result of a backlog of unattended applications. In addition, there are just 100 enrollment centers in the whole United States. Can that be enough for everyone? No. There are many people who love the idea of enrolling for this program but will that be possible if they have to wait for many months before getting an interview? Many will get tired and abandon their application. 

There are many other problems applicants may encounter but not getting a date for interviews is the worst of it all. The process of getting an appointment is now annoyingly getting dragged out for more than 12 months without success. However, I have come up with this guide to help you get an interview faster. Even if your application is over one year, you will surely get interviewed after following my guidelines. 

Global Entry: What is it? 

Global entry is a program to help travelers escape long security checks by using dedicated security lines. This program is not for everyone but only trusted travelers who don’t pose any kind of harm. That’s why there is an interview section before getting enrolled into it. 

The enrollment cost for Global Entry is $100 (may raise to $120 soon) which will be valid for 5 years with option to renew. Since this will help you pass security checks, the enrollment process is tough.

The online application looks doable since it just requires normal personal information. After filling the online application, they will offer you Conditional approval, which means your next step is to go through the interview, pass and begin to enjoy the benefits. Do you know the real truth? It’s more difficult than just looking at it in writing. You will have to wait for this interview for many months without success. 

How to Apply and get your Global Entry interview faster 

Though there’s a bottleneck in getting the interview done after getting Conditional approval, there may be a way out. Maybe there is a way you can go about your application to secure an interview date faster. I will outline them and hope it helps you get your interview appointment date. 

Look for other centers 

It can happen that the center at your location has many applications which will make it unavailable for you. Why not try looking for another center? This is going to be fun as well. If you reside in New York, you can travel to other states like Minnesota or Florida to check for enrollment openings. 

You can also ask friends living in another city to help you with information on how fast they get interviewed. If there is hope of getting an interview appointment faster then try moving there just to get done with this process. 

Try domestic airports 

Do you travel with domestic airlines? If yes, then you have an opportunity to get an interview at the airport. This will not be difficult since you can just book appointments beforehand or ask for any openings when you arrive at the airport. Frequent travelers don’t have to worry a bit since there will surely be an airport where they can luckily get an interview appointment faster. So, why wait when you can do this faster than just waiting for a date in the airport at your location. 

Use Enrolment on arrival option 

Since the backlog continues to pile up, clever applicants can now use Enrolment on arrival anytime they are returning from an international trip.

This program is currently available at some international airports amounting to 70 Airports where you can find this service. This option can be a little tricky because you won’t have access to TSA precheck benefits until you complete all the necessary steps. But looking at the level of unfruitful waiting, this is worth it. 

Keep eye on available schedule 

Maybe you can’t find any openings when you try but trying multiple times will not be a waste of time. 

The truth is that getting this interview for Global Entry applications is the hardest part of it. So, you must be ready to do anything possible to get a date for the interview or you will wait for more than a year. Remember that your application will be canceled after 730 days and you are yet to undergo the interview process. 

Use the interview appointment website to filter out locations that have no open date until you find something. 

Some locations like Minneapolis (MSP) airport won’t have an open day for interviews until around March 2023. Although, you can change your preferred location multiple times to find any opening. Do this always and you may get an appointment. 

Frequently asked questions 

What should I expect at the Global Entry interview

The interview will not take time because they only want to confirm information about you and also understand how well you know Global Entry. 

Why is it hard to get a Global Entry interview

The United States Customs and Border Protection is currently experiencing a backlog on application. There are many others who want interview dates, so the process is delayed. 

Can you do a Global Entry interview virtually

You can only do interviews for Global Entry membership renewal remotely or virtually. First applicants must go through the normal interview process. 

How long does a Global Entry interview take

It can take from 10 minutes to 20 minutes. However, you will spend more time waiting for your turn since there are many other people waiting to be interviewed. 

Conclusion 

Global entry interviews can be annoying if you have been waiting for ages to secure a date. This is because of many other applicants who need the same interview as you. U.S. Customs and border and protection have alerted all affected applicants to exercise patients while they fix things. Although, you can still follow my guidelines to secure an interview appointment for yourself faster. 

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Global Entry: What exactly is Global entry

Global entry is an initiative from the Department of homeland security (DHS) to expedite the security check at arrival into the United States. The fast security check will only apply to members of the global Entry program. 

This service will give its members an opportunity to get dedicated security lines on the TSA precheck of some airlines. 

One important part of Global entry is that you won’t have to be in queue with others waiting for security checks. 

This has made members of Global Entry look like VIPs once they arrive at participating airports. 

You will also get fast entry into United States customs locations, including the TSA precheck – making it more valuable than ordinary TSA precheck membership. 

What is Global Entry 

The United States Customs and border protection services launched Global entry to allow members get expedited clearance. 

There’s a kiosk at some airports through which these pre-approved and low-risk members can use the NEXUS lane. 

Many jet owners now use faster entry since they will not wait for long before clearance. 

Others who don’t own private jets can also use this program to fasten the speed of the airline clearance they face. Even though it’s not all airlines that are offering this service, you will still enjoy being a member. 

There are over 100 centers if you desire to enroll for this program and the cost is just $100 for five years. That’s around $1.6 per month for You to have a better travel experience; anytime you board flights into the United States. 

There may be a serious change to this price since they are nursing to take it up to $120. However the membership cost remains $100 until the increments take effect. 

What does it take to join Global entry 

The process will involve going through a background check which will be a determinant on whether you can join the program. This program is for low-risk travelers. So, if after the background check and you don’t fall under the low-risk category, you won’t get approval. 

Other things that can either help you with membership:

  1. You must be a US citizen 
  2. You must be a Foreigner with permanent residence (green card) 
  3. Canadian citizens that are members of NEXUS can enjoy the full benefit of Global Entry. 
  4. Citizen of these countries can apply for Global entry:
    • Germany 
    • Mexico 
    • India 
    • Switzerland 
    • Taiwan 
    • United Kingdom 
    • Singapore 
    • South Korea 
    • Argentina 
    • Columbia 
    • Panama. (other countries may join the program later) 
  5. Individuals from the country above who want to take part in this program should have zero criminal records. Must not be on terrorism watch list or have any form of involvement in crimes. 

Is Global entry the same as TSA precheck? 

There are clear differences between the two but they offer relatively close benefits. Membership on global Entry gives automatic capability to benefit from TSA precheck programs. 

  • Global entry is a program for international flights and local flights but TSA precheck only works in local airlines. 
  • Low-risk travelers from other countries can join Global Entry but the TSA precheck program accepts only U.S. Citizens. 
  • The price for global Entry membership is $100 but TSA precheck is just $78 
  • Children under the age of 12 can enjoy the same benefits from their TSA precheck member parents. The Global program demands that everyone traveling with children must enroll them. 

The bottom line is that TSA is made to serve local travelers and global Entry to serve international travelers. 

How to Apply for Global Entry 

The process will take some time to complete but the wait is worth it. The application will involve a physical interview and you will also undergo a background check. 

  1. The first step is to create an account on the trusted traveler program website. 
  2. After your account is set. Use your login details to login and go through the online application. Fill in all the required information. 
  3. Proceed to make payment for the membership fee. (only $100)
  4. If you are approved for this stage, move ahead to schedule an interview appointment at any enrollment center nearest to you. 
  5. Go ahead for the interview! You should take your identity card with you plus another mode of identification, which can be your driver’s license or passport. There’s a message on your trusted traveler account with your conditional approval letter. 

How to activate your Global Entry card 

When the interview is done, you will receive your membership card within two weeks. You then go on to activate your card using the online trusted traveler website. 

Your known Traveler Number should also arrive immediately if you are approved for Global Entry. 

Go on to use your known traveler number by adding them to flight reservations on “TSA precheck” Column. You are free to use all the global benefits after activating your card. 

Should I join Global Entry

If you think you need dedicated security lines at the TSA for faster security checks then it’s worth it. 

Remember that you can also get faster US custom clearance if you are a member of Global program. 

Do you know that the time you waste on the unending queue because of security checks is worth more than $100? Definitely. What if you miss an important business appointment because of ordinary security lines? You see, there are more benefits to this program than just being stingy with $100.

Frequently asked questions 

Is Global entry and TSA precheck the same? 

No, however, you can’t literally separate them since they both function to make your travel experience awesome. 

TSA precheck gives children under the age of 12 free passes if they are with an adult that is a precheck holder. Global Entry requires everyone, whether baby or grown-ups, to register for the program before they can become eligible to enjoy the benefits. 

Is Global entry worth the price

Yes. The price cannot equate to the massive benefits you will receive from this program. 

How long does it take to process program

The process does not take more than 90 days but you still have up to 2 years to complete the registration after conditional approval. 

Conclusion 

Global Entry is a program that will give members an opportunity to receive a dedicated security line at the airport. The members will also enjoy faster custom clearance at all the recognized airports. 

The membership process may involve background checks since only trusted travelers have the qualifications to apply. 

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What to expect after getting Global Entry interview appointment

Global Entry interview appointment is not something to joke with because many people have been longing for it, but cannot secure a date. So, if you finally land an interview date for your Global Entry Applications, you must get the best preparation to avoid failing the questions. 

Do you know what to expect after getting Global Entry interview appointment? If you have applied with all the important documents then you will encounter simple interviews. Their main aim is to know more about you and confirm if the information you sent during your application is really true. 

Global entry offers a walk-in interview option for applicants who have received their conditional approval, which comes immediately after sending your application. But do you just have to walk into any global entry center for an interview? No. You have to secure an appointment date, and this can be very stressful. Many people have been waiting for over 12 months for the interview but it’s not coming forth. 

What is Global Entry interview appointment

This is the final level of your application for Global Entry membership. The first was submitting your application, the second was getting Conditional approval then this hard one “interview appointment”.

This interview process takes less than 20 minutes in most cases but you should be prepared to spend 40 minutes to 1 hour waiting for your turn. There’s always many other people looking forward for interviews just like you. 

Prepare for this interview very well by ensuring you have all the requirements for it. There are certain documents you must provide for this exercise which you must not forget. 

What you need for your Global Entry interview appointment

There are certain documents you must take with you while going for your interviews— if you still want to be successful. This set of documents are important, whether you want to do a walk-in interview or if you are able to book appointments. 

  • A valid passport 
  • Proof of residence documents (could be any valid documents that can be used as a proof for your residence. You may use your driver’s license, utility bill) 
  • Permanent residence card (Only when you are an immigrant with valid green card) 
  • Conditional approval letter 

What to expect after getting Global Entry interview appointment 

Are you prepared for the Global Entry interview? You should really be ready because without enough knowledge, you may get denied this opportunity. 

Customs and border protection use this process to understand who you are better and decide whether to approve you. 

  • Biometrics: the officers will take your biometrics data as part of the interview process. 
  • Taking of your photos: they will take a photo of you so prepare for this. 
  • Background check: Customs and border protection (CBP) will run background checks on you. This may look simple but their decision mainly depends on the results of these checks. For instance, if you have been involved in any serious crime in the past that has been documented by the police, it will get revealed through this background checks. 

Questions to expect after getting Global Entry interview appointment

Do you want to know the kind of questions to expect from the interview? Then continue as I am about to show you some of the possible questions you may encounter at this interview. Don’t worry about the time this interview will take because it will not take over 20 minutes. 

Some of the questions to expect are;

  • What is your job 
  • Who is your employer 
  • Why do you want to get Global Entry 
  • Have your fingerprint scan ever taken because of an evil act or police arrest 
  • Have you been in any conflict with the customs and border protection agencies 
  • What is your residence status 

Will I get approval after the interview

The Customs and border protection services will determine if you will get approval for Global Entry membership. They will work on your background check to understand your past history and mainly criminal records. If applicants eventually pass this background check, they will face a test on the validity of their documents. The official will have to review all the documents you submit and compare it with what you have in your background information. 

Can I appeal rejection 

You have the opportunity to supply information that may not be part of the initial ones you submitted. However, (CBP) or DHS will carefully evaluate your application before making any decision about your background information. 

Some people get denied for just being arrested in the past for very minimal reasons. If you think the reason for your arrest is insignificant, then go ahead to appeal their decision and sue for further review into your condition. Maybe, you can get a second chance, which is not always likely to happen. Applicants who lack full knowledge about their past may also get rejected for some kind of crime they committed many years ago. 

Your status may also impact your denial. For instance, you need a permanent residence permit for this application. Some people with temporary work permits do try to apply forgetting that their status is not eligible. 

Also, you can’t apply with an expired green card or passport. Your permanent residence permit must be valid before you can send in your application. 

Frequently asked questions 

Can you fail a global entry interview

If you have an ugly criminal record or your information is not matching, then you will definitely fail this interview. There are many other reasons that may lead to failure to pass this interview. 

What do you need to take to your Global Entry interview appointment

You need to have a passport, mode of address confirmation and driver’s license and maybe other information to confirm your address. You will need your permanent residence card if you are a migrant. 

How long does a Global Entry interview take? 

It depends on your information under review. It may take like 10 minutes or up to 20 minutes if there’s many things that need revision in your application. 

Conclusion 

Global Entry interview appointment date may be difficult to secure but are you prepared for it after getting a date? If you are not then you have to get yourself ready for it. It may not take too much time but without preparation, you will encounter problems along the way. 

Also remember to go with the necessary documents they recommended for you.