The Global Entry Program:

An Expedited Clearance Process for Pre-Approved Travelers

Introduction

After an initial pilot program limited to a few US airports, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced in 2012 the establishment of a permanent ‘Global Entry’ program, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) voluntary initiative that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. Global Entry is a voluntary regulatory program that is aimed at streamlining the international arrivals and admission process at Global Entry airports for trusted travelers through biometric identification.

The CBP Global Entry program offers quicker processing at select U.S. Ports of Entry for pre-approved, low-risk air travelers by providing an expedited inspection and examination process that allows them to proceed directly to automated Global Entry kiosks upon their arrival in the United States at Global Entry-equipped Ports of Entry. As of September 2018, Global Entry is available at least 60 U.S. and international airports, For the benefit of frequent travelers, we present here, an overview of the Global Entry program.

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General Eligibility For Global Entry

The following individuals, who hold a valid, machine-readable passport, or a valid, machine-readable U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident Card (Form I–551) [Green Card], or other appropriate travel document as determined by CBP, may apply to participate in Global Entry:

1.U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and U.S. lawful permanent residents, who are not otherwise disqualified;

2.Citizens or nationals of certain countries that that have entered into arrangements with CBP concerning international trusted traveler programs, who are not otherwise disqualified;

As of September 2018, these countries include: Argentina, India, Colombia, United Kingdom, Germany, Panama, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan and Mexico (CBP is not currently accepting applications from citizens of the Netherlands). Additionally, Canadian citizens get Global Entry benefits through their enrollment in NEXUS

3.Persons under the age of 18 who meet the eligibility criteria above, who have the consent of a parent or legal guardian to participate in Global Entry and can provide proof of such consent in accordance with CBP instructions.

4.Global Entry Privileges for NEXUS and SENTRI Trusted Traveler Programs:

Members in good standing of NEXUS and SENTRI are also permitted to use certain Global Entry kiosks as part of their NEXUS or SENTRI membership if specific NEXUS and SENTRI kiosks are not available.


Global Entry Program Application

1.Create a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) account at https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov/. Each applicant, including minors, needs to have an individual account.

2.Complete the Global Entry application online after logging into the TTP account.

3.Pay the required, non-refundable application fee.

4.After submitting the Global Entry application, the applicant will be notified by CBP to schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry enrollment center through the TTP account. Each applicant must bring his or her original identification document specified in his or her application. During the interview, CBP will collect biometric information from the applicant to conduct background checks or as otherwise required for participation in the program.

US citizens will be required to bring their US passport and 1 other form of ID, like a driver’s license. Lawful permanent residents (LPR’s) must bring their machine-readable green card.

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Additionally, at airports in at least 23 states and at 7 airports in Canada, applicants who are conditionally approved can elect to complete their interviews directly with a CBP officer at the airport through the Enrollment on Arrival program.

Arrival Procedures At U.S. Port-of Entry

Participants in Global Entry use an automated Global Entry kiosk to expedite their admission to the United States. They are directed to follow the on-screen instructions and will need to declare all articles being brought into the United States.

Note: A Global Entry participant will be redirected to the nearest open passport control primary inspection station if the participant declares any commercial samples, or items that exceed the applicable personal exemption amount; more than $10,000 or foreign equivalent in any form; or any restricted/prohibited goods, such as agricultural products, firearms, mace, pepper spray, endangered animals, birds, controlled substances, fireworks, Cuban goods, and plants. Global Entry participants are not required to use the kiosk and can proceed through the normal entry process if they wish.


Other Features of Global Entry Program

1.Every applicant accepted into Global Entry is accepted for a period of 5 years provided participation is not suspended or terminated by CBP prior to the end of the 5-year period.

2.Each applicant may apply to renew participation up to one year prior to the close of the participation period.

3.Global Entry participants must provide fingerprint biometrics at the time of the personal interview and again at the kiosk at the airport.

4.Each successful use of Global Entry constitutes a separate and completed inspection and application for entry by the participant on the date that Global Entry is used. However, Global Entry participants may also be subject to further CBP examination and inspection at any time during the arrival process.


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Conclusion

It is estimated that Global Entry program speeds up the CBP processing time for participating air travelers by more than 70%, and provides an expedited inspection and examination process for pre-approved, low-risk air travelers resulting in clear savings in time for a typical participant. Participation in Global Entry program is voluntary and subject to the participant continuing to satisfy the program’s entry requirements. Global Entry has more than 4 million participants and the program continues to expand to more airports around the world.

Contact VisaPro if you have any questions regarding the Global Entry program or any type of employment based or family-based petitions and visas. Our experienced attorneys will be happy to assist you.


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