NAVIGATING GLOBAL ENTRY FOR NON-U.S CITIZENS

Yes, Global entry for non-U.S. citizens is a thing and it is possible! We stumbled on Global Entry by chance and decided to explore it. We sought to determine our eligibility, decode the application process, uncover the associated fees and estimate the timeline. At first, I assumed it would be a grueling and a pricey journey, only to be pleasantly proven wrong. I am writing this article to highlight our experience and share our insights.

1.     Understanding Global Entry

2.     Eligibility criteria

3.     A step-by-step application guide      

4.     Insider tips for a smoother process                                                         

1. Understanding Global Entry

         I'm certain that many of you are familiar with Global Entry, but for those who might be new to the concept, here's a brief overview: Global Entry is a program by U.S Customs and Border Protection(CBP) that facilitates swift clearance for pre-screened, low risk travelers upon their entry into the United States. There will be a background check and an in-person interview for all applicants. Upon approval, as a pre-screened Global Entry member, all you have to do is a simple check in at the Global Entry Kiosk when you arrive United States. Global Entry once approved is a privilege valid for five years, I promise it is worth putting in the effort.

2.  Eligibility Criteria

        Let's talk about eligibility criteria. The eligibility extends to U.S citizens, lawful permanent residents and Citizens of select countries including Argentina, Brazil, Bahrain, India, Colombia, United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Panama, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Mexico.

3.  A step-by-step application guide

       This is my experience as an Indian citizen with a U.S. visa. Please check the DHS website regarding any other details.

• Create a TTP account: First off, you need to create an account on CBP's Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) website. Each applicant, even if applying as a group, should have an individual TTP account. Also, keep track of your application ID's as you will require them later on in the application process. This process is self guiding and would take under 15 minutes to complete an application. Having the following documents/information handy would speed up the process!

  • Passport

  • Visa status (I-797)

  • Last five year travel history (Entry and Exit dates into the United States)  

Entering the last five year travel history is a tedious job. If I remember correctly, the application asked us to put in the duration of our stay outside the United States. 

• Payment of fees: Once you are done filling in all the details, you will be directed to pay the $100 non-refundable fees towards your application. We used our Amex Platinum card as American Express (more on this in the tips section) credits the fee back.

• Background verification:  Based on your situation whether you are staying in the U.S or traveling to India, you need to follow the steps listed on Passport India Website.  We were traveling to India and we registered an account with Passport India accordingly and filled out the application for background verification under Global Entry Program (GEP). 

    After submitting the application you need to pay RS/-500 and schedule an in-person appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office. We faced issues with our credit cards, so we proceeded to make the payment with UPI. The website displays number of appointments(the date and time) available. We had slots available for the next day, we went ahead and scheduled at the Passport Seva Kendra(PSK).

    For the appointment make sure you carry all the required original documents submitted during the application process. The whole process at the Passport Seva Kendra(PSK) took about an hour for us. At the appointment a photograph will be taken.

    After attending the appointment at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), we had a call from a police that he would be visiting us at our residence for verification. It was pretty straight forward, he asked for our documents and reviewed them and told us it would take about ten days for it to reflect on our application that background verification is done. We got an email from TTP that there was a change in status of our application. When we logged into our accounts it said, "conditionally approved".

    The background verification can also be done through VFS, if you don't intend to travel to India anytime soon. We heard this approach was lengthy, so we opted to apply to global entry when we travel to India.

     After conditional approval, you are presented with two options, one, if you are currently in U.S you can proceed to schedule an appointment at an enrollment center near you or if you are not in U.S, you have the Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) program where you can complete your interview upon arrival into the U.S. Just follow the signs for Global Entry and be ready with your documents to present to the CBP officer. 

    We got the conditional approval while we were still in India, so we went ahead with Enrollment on Arrival(EoA). We had to wait for about an hour as the officers were changing shifts. Once we were at the counter, the whole interview took about ten minutes and we were told we would get an email about the status change and would receive a card in about two weeks. We logged back in once we were home and the application was approved and we had the PASSID displayed along with the expiration date and when we can start the renewal process.

          Well, we didn't receive our global entry cards. When we checked the Trusted Traveler Program website mentions that foreign nationals will not be receiving global entry cards, and the PASSID number would suffice. 

4.  Tips

• Maximize Credit Card Benefits: Put that credit card to use! There are certain credit cards which include coverage for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck, such as

                     1. American Express Platinum     

                     2. Bank of America Premium Rewards 

                     3. Capital one Venture Rewards 

                     4. Chase Sapphire

• Strategize the timing : If possible, apply to Global Entry when you are visiting India. This worked out well for us. We got the conditional approval with in a week after the police verification. 

• Enrollment on arrival program: Opt for Enrollment on arrival (EoA) if you are not currently in the U.S. This way you can bypass the long wait times to schedule an interview.

• TSA PreCheck: Global Entry membership automatically grants TSA Pre check privileges.

• Please check TTP website for regular updates or if you have any queries.