How to Speed up Your Global Registration
We are fans of everything that can make traveling less of a headache, from checking in online or booking smarter itineraries to knowing your rights when something goes wrong . And speeding through customs and immigration with Global Entry (which includes TSA pre-screening in the membership fee) can certainly ease airport stress, but only if you can actually get through the check-in process.
The current processing time for Global Entry is four to six months , according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which administers various trusted traveler programs, and some applicants may wait up to 18 months for the required in-person interview.
While you don’t have a lot of control over how quickly your application moves to “conditional approval” status, which then allows you to schedule an admissions interview, there are a few options to speed up the interview process.
Use global check-in upon arrival
If you are planning to travel abroad before you can schedule an interview, plan to use the CBP registration on arrival when you return from abroad. This program allows candidates to simply show up at designated international airport terminals in the US (and some other countries) and be interviewed on the spot.
To be eligible for check-in upon arrival, you must complete a global entry application and receive conditional approval. At the airport, follow the “Check-in on arrival” signs and bring your passport (and residence permit, if applicable) and proof of residence, such as a driver’s license, mortgage statement, or utility bill. The interview will likely last up to 15 minutes before you hit the road.
Please note that there may be a wait and the check-in site at your airport may not be open when you land, so check your hours before counting on this option.
Sign up for a remote upgrade interview
If you are renewing your Global Entry membership, you will be able to complete your virtual interview faster with the CBP Remote Interview Pilot Program. To be eligible, you must have received conditional approval of your renewal application, be 18 years of age or older, and have fingerprints and a photo (current for the past 10 years and over 14 years of age) already on file.
If this option is available to you, you will see a “Schedule a Remote Interview” link when you sign in to the app’s control panel.
CBP does not specify a specific waiting time for remote interviews, but it may be easier than trying to get into the registration center in person. Please note that many renewals are approved automatically , so you may not need an interview at all.
Check your interview schedule often
You can check the availability of an appointment on the Trusted Traveler Program website to get an idea of how long the wait is at airports near you. It is possible that cancellations will open places earlier if you check often, and CBP releases additional appointments on the first Monday of each month at 9am local time.
Coordinate your interview with other trips
If your most convenient check-in center is booked out, consider including your interview with other domestic travel plans, whether by plane or car. You can even plan a trip around a scheduled job interview if there is a city you want to visit.
Look for the Global Entry registration event
CBP occasionally hosts multi-day admissions fairs at airports where there are no dedicated admissions centers for conditionally approved applicants to interview. The last event was held in Spokane, Washington in April.