Global Entry application

[Mo Horn 8795]

Mrs. MO had an interview scheduled for the day they first closed the office, so she missed it by one day. She got an e-mail that said she would be notified when they opened back up and would be given a choice of several days from which she could pick to come in. No appointment needed.  Just let them know when she got the e-mail. First come first serve. I'm sure they'll limit the number to come each day. 

[Grimas 658]

On 1/5/2020 at 8:22 AM, AustinMT said:

It can help to call.  Last year, my wife and I both finally did Global Entry (and yes, it makes a difference based on comparing getting through before we had it and after).  After my interview, got my approval e-mail almost immediately.  My wife’s didn’t come through, and we were butting up against the time we were leaving.  Took a couple of calls, but we figured out that the officer had failed to hit the “approve” tab  (or whatever it is) after the interview.  They had us call the field office, talked with him, and he fixed it immediately.

I know you are in a different stage, but the point is there is the potential for human error in this process that calling may help overcome.

Where did you call/how did you contact them? 

 I renewed my GE and finally got the conditional approval and need to setup an interview.  The problem is that I added Nexus to mine (I go to Canada occasionally for work) but the nearest interview site for Nexus is in Dallas.  I don't give a crud about the Nexus part anymore and just want to have the regular GE so i can do the interview in Houston...  

[Buzzrock 14867]

I renewed mine a couple months ago after letting it expire. Interviews were running six months out in Atlanta, but I got super lucky because, after doing some homework to find out if there was any way to shortcut the wait (there doesn’t appear to be), I logged back in and a single slot had opened up a couple days out and so I jumped on it. Whole process took five minutes.

[AustinMT 952]

1 hour ago, Grimas said:

Where did you call/how did you contact them? 

 I renewed my GE and finally got the conditional approval and need to setup an interview.  The problem is that I added Nexus to mine (I go to Canada occasionally for work) but the nearest interview site for Nexus is in Dallas.  I don't give a crud about the Nexus part anymore and just want to have the regular GE so i can do the interview in Houston...  

This was last year. We called the interview location directly (it was in San Antonio because we couldn’t get in the Austin location)

[Grimas 658]

Just now, AustinMT said:

This was last year. We called the interview location directly (it was in San Antonio because we couldn’t get in the Austin location)

Thanks.  Will try that once they open back up...

[Mo Horn 8795]

4 hours ago, Buzzrock said:

I renewed mine a couple months ago after letting it expire. Interviews were running six months out in Atlanta, but I got super lucky because, after doing some homework to find out if there was any way to shortcut the wait (there doesn’t appear to be), I logged back in and a single slot had opened up a couple days out and so I jumped on it. Whole process took five minutes.

So you have to interview again? They renewed mine without me having to reinterview.

[Buzzrock 14867]

So you have to interview again? They renewed mine without me having to reinterview.

Only because I wasn’t paying attention and let it expire. I didn’t realize it until I had a flight and didn’t get Precheck.

[Mo Horn 8795]

Just now, Buzzrock said:

 

Only because I wasn’t paying attention and let it expire. I didn’t realize it until I had a flight and didn’t get Precheck.

 

Mine was expired for over a year. It took 7 months for it to get reauthorized but no interview needed. 

[Buzzrock 14867]

For Global Entry? That’s good. Mine was approved within a couple days and as I said I got lucky on the interview.

[Biff Tannen 45477]

Wife's is going to expire in July.  Trying to renew, but the system keeps telling her after she logs in that her session is expired and to log in again.  She called the general help number this morning and it was just a busy signal.  Seems like a well oiled machine right now. 

Anyone have any success or a similar experience recently?

[Sam Lin 3540]

GE is extremely backed up on renewals and has given an automatic extension to anyone who applied for renewal. Doesn't quite help you if you can't get in, but your issue sounds like a cookie issue. Try a different browser, different PC, or incognito window.

https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/global-entry-travelers-now-have-an-18-month-renewal-grace-period

[Biff Tannen 45477]

3 hours ago, Sam Lin said:

GE is extremely backed up on renewals and has given an automatic extension to anyone who applied for renewal. Doesn't quite help you if you can't get in, but your issue sounds like a cookie issue. Try a different browser, different PC, or incognito window.

https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/global-entry-travelers-now-have-an-18-month-renewal-grace-period

Yeah, cleared the cache and cookies, because that is what I thought as well.  No dice.  But good to know the rest.  Gold star for you.

[gyroprotagonist 2591]

finally got clearance to do the interview a full year after submitting the application.  No rush now obviously to utilize GE at this point.  probably set up interview in Feb of next year.

[midtown 3341]

I logged onto the trusted traveler program because I thought I was getting close to my 5 years.  Turns out I am only at year 4 but since I am within a year of renewal they let me go ahead.   5-6 clicks.  Verify info.  Paid the $100 which will be paid by one of my credit cards and less than a day later I am approved without an interview.  I'm good for 6 years now.

[gyroprotagonist 2591]

On 11/20/2020 at 1:36 PM, gyroprotagonist said:

finally got clearance to do the interview a full year after submitting the application.  No rush now obviously to utilize GE at this point.  probably set up interview in Feb of next year.

update.  just went to the airport and was in and out in 20 minutes or so.  the 'interview' took 2 minutes.  probably just used the Family Guy skin color terrorist guide and called it a day.

[Js1 85056]

I renewed and will probably try to do an interview coming back from Cabo in July. 

Thanks for the virtual interview offer with zero openings for all of 2021

[kevwun 15595]

I lucked out and didn't have to do any interview.  I applied a couple weeks ago for renewal on a Thursday and got the approval email early Saturday morning.

[mycox 582]

11 hours ago, Js1 said:

Thanks for the virtual interview offer with zero openings for all of 2021

Try looking early next week. I had a Zoom interview for my renewal this morning and the officer said they are in a pilot program with very few openings. There weren't any openings when I checked last week, but there were openings all day Thursday and today when I checked earlier this week.

[tx 3 putt 76159]

How’d you dildos by pass the interview for renewal ???

 

I drove to San Antonio yesterday, from Houston. I hadn’t seen an opening in some time 

Edited March 26, 2021 by tx 3 putt

[mycox 582]

I had to get an interview for renewal. My officer said it just depends. Most of the time a passport renewal or change of address will flag you.

[tx 3 putt 76159]

7hrs of driving for a 5min talk / scan my fingerprints. I was very happy to knock it out. Renewals should be able to use the twic office in Houston 

 

i did have an address change 

Edited March 26, 2021 by tx 3 putt

[pantone159 712]

18 hours ago, Js1 said:

Thanks for the virtual interview offer with zero openings for all of 2021

This.

[Js1 85056]

I’ve had like 4 new addresses since. Including a new state. So makes sense. 
 

Will try to interview upon arrival option in July 

[midtown 3341]

4 hours ago, tx 3 putt said:

How’d you dildos by pass the interview for renewal ???

No idea.  Like someone above said.  Maybe just lucky.  I thought maybe all the countries I've visited in the last 5 years might get me flagged but nope.

[Sam Lin 3540]

May have already been posted, but they've also opened up a ton more airports to the 'interview on arrival' process in recent months. It's probably the fastest way to get an interview.

[Js1 85056]

On 3/26/2021 at 10:16 PM, Sam Lin said:

May have already been posted, but they've also opened up a ton more airports to the 'interview on arrival' process in recent months. It's probably the fastest way to get an interview.

Yep, just got an email from them as I have a conditionally approved application, pending interview.  With a big list of all the interview on arrival airports. 

Seems the best option than checking every day damn for a remote interview. 

[gernblansten 3183]

4 hours ago, Js1 said:

Yep, just got an email from them as I have a conditionally approved application, pending interview.  With a big list of all the interview on arrival airports. 

Seems the best option than checking every day damn for a remote interview. 

How long ago from application submission until being conditionally approved?

[Js1 85056]

15 minutes ago, gernblansten said:

How long ago from application submission until being conditionally approved?

A couple days 

[Biff Tannen 45477]

FFS, every time I try to log into my global entry account it says "your session is expired".  My wife went through something similar when she tried to renew and I think she ended up having to call them.  Yay technology.

[Biff Tannen 45477]

1 hour ago, Biff Tannen said:

FFS, every time I try to log into my global entry account it says "your session is expired".  My wife went through something similar when she tried to renew and I think she ended up having to call them.  Yay technology.

FYI, if this happens to anyone, log in on your phone using non-wifi.  This makes it work.  What a horrid horrid application/renewal process.

[kevwun 15595]

Using another browser may also do it on a computer.

[Biff Tannen 45477]

2 hours ago, kevwun said:

Using another browser may also do it on a computer.

Oh I tried that.  Cleared cache and cookies, on multiple browsers.  No good.  Only thing that worked was phone without wifi.  Whatever, it's a janky ass process.  I'm hoping for a renewal without an interview, but I kinda doubt it, due to a youthful indiscretion.

[midtown 3341]

I've never had any problem logging in ever and that includes 3 different emails since I have GE for my kids.  Maybe they found your "issues"?

[kevwun 15595]

1 hour ago, Biff Tannen said:

Oh I tried that.  Cleared cache and cookies, on multiple browsers.  No good.  Only thing that worked was phone without wifi.  Whatever, it's a janky ass process.  I'm hoping for a renewal without an interview, but I kinda doubt it, due to a youthful indiscretion.

Must have been tied to your IP address then.  Your phone on a cellular network would have gotten a different one since it wasn't using the same ISP as your wifi.

[wood 11103]

On 3/25/2021 at 10:07 PM, Js1 said:

I renewed and will probably try to do an interview coming back from Cabo in July. 

Thanks for the virtual interview offer with zero openings for all of 2021

Should I even bother applying in hopes of using it this summer?

[UnivTex34 1763]

I renewed based on this thread popping up last month. First renewal, and I did not have to do the interview process again. Had my new card a week after doing the renewal online. 

[kmac30 416]

I’m having to do a renewal interview. I cannot find a chance to schedule at all - remote or in person. As of right now, I’m good until sometime next year (actually expired in March but they said it is extended for a period).

Best option is going to be on return from a trip. Which sucks.

[midtown 3341]

1 minute ago, kmac30 said:

I’m having to do a renewal interview.

Curious.  Do you travel a lot?  

57 minutes ago, wood said:

Should I even bother applying in hopes of using it this summer?

I've talked to three GE people and so far other than on this board, no one has had to interview.  Like I and others have said above.  I had my approval in like 2 days.

[wood 11103]

Just now, midtown said:

Curious.  Do you travel a lot?  

I've talked to three GE people and so far other than on this board, no one has had to interview.  Like I and others have said above.  I had my approval in like 2 days.

Oh, awesome. Misunderstood above. Thought you meant you had just gotten the conditional approval and still had to wait for interview. I see yours was a renewal. You think it'll be the same for new applicants (me & my family)?

[midtown 3341]

I think if you really try and hunt around and are willing to travel to an international airport in another city you might get it done

 

[kmac30 416]

I probably go international 2-3 times a year (normal years).

[kevwun 15595]

Wife just renewed hers and didn't have to interview.  Her friend's husband drew the short straw though and has to go in.  They didn't move, but they travel a ton internationally for their business.

[HRSchenker 2257]

GE was pretty easy. Registered in March and interviewed in April. Cards came in the mail a week later. Interview wasn't even us talking, all they did was take my photo and get fingerprints. 

[midtown 3341]

For those on the fence. This is a picture of the poors line. My buddy sent me from DFW last Saturday at 7pm. Same flight but I was halfway to the bar when I got this.

[TornACL 7673]

All my shit expired last year. Do I need to renew the passport first and get that back and then renew GE or can I do it all at the same time?

[wood 11103]

Just finished Global Entry applications for the family. Got conditional approvals within 48 hrs on all of them. Already set appointments at ABIA. Appointment times available as soon as May 29, and July is wide open. 

[SurlyORama 164]

Applied to renew online the first day I was eligible. Approved next day.

[wood 11103]

11 hours ago, wood said:

Just finished Global Entry applications for the family. Got conditional approvals within 48 hrs on all of them. Already set appointments at ABIA. Appointment times available as soon as May June 29, and July is wide open. 

fixed. my bad.

[Biff Tannen 45477]

Got my renewal yesterday. No interview. Yeah buddy. 

[CooterBrown 17875]

They’ve said the GE ID card isn’t really good for anything but at the St Thomas airport today, you had to have the card with you to go through the GE line at customs. Luckily we all had them with us so we were able to skip the poors line.