For many people, one of the most daunting parts of the Global Entry application is the interview. While the Global Entry benefits are incredible, the process may seem a little daunting. Even just the word interview likely brings up unpleasant memories of applying for jobs and first-day jitters. But, if you participate in international travel often and would like to become part of the Trusted Traveler Program, then it’s a must.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help break down exactly what to bring to Global Entry interviews and what you can expect once you get there. This way, you can go in feeling confident and prepared and get your expedited entry in no time.
Before you can get an interview with the Trusted Traveler Program, you’ll first need to submit a Global Entry program application online.
You can access this application on the GOV+ website. It’s relatively quick and easy to fill out, but it does require you to have some information you might not know offhand. You can also find answers to questions like “What is Global Entry” on our site as well!
Here are some of the things you’ll be asked for on your application to become a Trusted Traveler:
After you fill in this information, you’ll be asked to pay a $100 application fee for your Global Entry application before it can be sent off to be reviewed. How long does Global Entry last? Well, you’ll have to renew your Global Entry membership and pay the same Global Entry fee every five years to keep your Trusted Traveler status.
If your application is approved, you’ll receive an email prompting you to sign up for your Global Entry interview. Your Global Entry interview appointment can be scheduled at a Trusted Travelers Program location near you on the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol website.
The primary purpose of a Global Entry interview is to confirm that the information listed on your application is accurate, so you’ll need to bring some identifying documents with you to the Global Entry enrollment center.
These include:
Before going into the Global Entry enrollment center for your interview, double-check your email confirmation to make sure that no further documentation is required for your specific case.
When you schedule an interview for the Global Entry program, you’re going to want to show up at the TTP location early so you don’t miss your interview appointment.
The interview itself shouldn’t take more than fifteen minutes, but there may be other Global Entry applicants scheduled during your time slot, so make sure you schedule on a day when you have plenty of time to wait.
Where a lot of people’s anxiety about the Global Entry member interview comes from is in not knowing what questions they’ll be asked. The good news is the interview isn’t supposed to be challenging. If you’ve made it this far in the application, they’ve already reviewed your application and are just looking for you to confirm what you’ve already told them.
Here are some of the things you can expect them to ask:
As long as you answer these questions truthfully, your Global Entry application should be approved as expected.
Other things to take note of before your Global Entry interview include:
Just like getting an interview appointment for your driver's license and passport. It's essential to wear proper attire like dress pants, blazers, cardigans, sweaters, etc.. and remember to wear closed-toe shoes or flats.
Yes. There's a possibility of being denied in your interview, such as if you have been flagged by the government, have a criminal record, etc.
There are different reasons why you could be denied with Global Entry. It could be from a history of undeclared items or trying to bypass airport security, DUI conviction, disrespect from the interviewer, lying about the declared information in your application, and if you have a history of unfavorable information from other governments, such as having a history of troubles in other countries.
They will issue a written letter about why you have been denied.
Although the application is done online, getting Global Entry and TSA Pre-Check are both challenging. You have to prepare your documents and IDs and schedule an interview, which has a very limited available appointment schedule, especially for Global Entry. The difference between the two is that Global Entry has fewer enrolment locations than TSA PreCheck.
They will go back 10-20 years of your record, but if you have at least kept your record clean for the past ten years, then it won't prevent you from getting a Global Entry membership.
Yes. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits.
If you’re looking for help applying for your government applications, we specialize in making the process as quick and easy as possible. Our website combines cloud-based technology and a fast customer service team to give you all the information you need in one place. All you have to do is fill out your TSA PreCheck® form and we’ll take care of the rest, so you can focus on organizing your trip instead.
Our friendly customer service team will be available to help walk you through the process to help you rest easy knowing your application is all filled out correctly.
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