AndFinally

So I finally got round to applying for Global Entry, from applying in the UK to my interview in the USA it took 4 days. Remarkable.

I used it last weekend at EWR for the first time and I was super excited to experience entry into the USA without standing in line.

First problem was that of the 10 or so kiosks at Terminal C, only 2 had paper in them so 8 were out of order. A large line had formed naturally. Undeterred I waited in line (how ironic) just to see if it worked nd after 15 minutes I was at the front.

Second problem was that it didn't appear to read my passport and the kiosk "helper" was not sure if I should present my passport photo page or L1-A Visa page. After quite a few attempts we managed to get it to read my passport photo page. I answered the questions and I got the Global Entry special receipt with a huge black "X" marked across it. I had to then wait in line at primary. The CBP officer seemed quite puzzled at how my Global Entry account had been setup by her colleagues. She informed me it had been setup incorrectly and there was a problem with my L1-A. She promptly sent me to secondary where I waited for over an hour before being spoken down to. (Literally) The secondary CBP officer said my Visa had been linked to my passport incorrectly and that I needed to apply for Global Entry again. I wasn't going to argue as I just wanted to get home.

Not a fantastic experience and back to the drawing board with my Global Entry application!

loubiblu

4 days? I'm intrigued by this timeframe. We are on L1-A and L2 visas. I applied on behalf of my husband and myself on 22nd Feb. First stage was applying to the UK for an access code. It took 10 days for the UK to do their checks and send the code. Next step was to apply via the GOES website. Initial checks took a further 8 days, at which point we were invited to make an appointment for an interview. Earliest available was 4/20

Have we been unlucky with our dates? They seem to follow what the website said so how did you do it in 4 days?

Mind if your experience in using it is typical then maybe I should stick to the regular lines.

AndFinally

I have to admit I was surprised at how quick it was. A colleague of mine got it in just under 10 days. I am in NYC and had quite a few options of location for interview, I found the downtown in Manhattan had the most availability.

Maybe I got lucky.

For reference, I applied for the UK code and got it same day. I created an account on GOES and it was pending review for a couple of days and then it asked me to schedule and interview. There was availability same day so I went in and did the interview. It's not really an "interview", they review your passport, Visa and take a photo and some fingerprints.

Good luck!

lansbury

Mrs L and I applied for ours here as we are both USC. I waited 3 months for an interview. and Mrs L who submitted her application last November had her interview mid March.

Orangepants

I just received my approval code from the UK, registered yesterday, so am now registering for GOES. I am a visa holder so am I considered a Lawful Permanent Resident of the US? I believed that term applied to GC holders but in this context, would I considered as such?? Thanks


Edit: Went with No and then was asked for visa category so application now complete. So the answer is no.

rpjs

That's right - the "Permanent" bit is what means the term applies to Green Card holders. You are a Lawful Resident of the US, just not a Permanent one.

Orangepants

So received my approval from the US side and now to schedule interview. None available in Charlotte! Guess I just keep checking back for dates but the notice says I have to schedule interview within 30 days of approval. Does it then expire and I have to get approval again.. I will keep you posted.

tonrob

You have to schedule it, not attend it, within the timeframe.

Steve_

I think your problem is because of your visa, I know the NEXUS office here struggles with that one. It's a good idea to keep an eye on your GOES record.

If you're a Canadian or US citizen, it goes much more smoothly.

All I can say is, I've lost count of the number of times it has saved my ass.

For example I was at Orlando airport a couple of months ago, the building was literally FULL of people waiting for TSA, I mean so full I had to walk along the edge of the walls to get around the massive number of people waiting, to get to the Precheck line. Huge wave of relief came over me as there were only about 20 people waiting.

Forget about $60, I'd pay $600 for it without thinking twice.

Steve_

I got quoted 5 months I think last time I renewed, if you show up first thing and wait though they'll make time for you if you can, which is what I did at YYC.

Peace Arch is the worst one, trying to get an appointment there is next to impossible. Even Sweet Grass is pretty busy, I was looking at two months wait there and it's not near anywhere.

Orangepants

So I believe the system has now caught up with me. I tried to schedule immediately as it told me that was the next step. I received an email this am that I should schedule so went online and hey presto - all the dates are now open starting next Tuesday. So excited. Maybe I wont dread Miami airport so much anymore

Former Lancastrian

For renewals for NEXUS its a 60% chance you won't have to go for a renewal interview I didn't.
Now that Westjet are a designated airline NEXUS just got sweeter as you now get TSA pre check providing you enter your pass id# when booking flights online or via a travel agent.

Orangepants

So my GOES application is complete - 2 weeks start to finish. The Officer told me the application is linked to my visa so I scan the visa page not the passport page on entry. I'm heading to London in a couple of weeks for a new visa so I have to go back to the office and they'll scan the new visa. Looks like I cant use GE to come back in this time. He said to try and I'd have to be processed at the desk anyway.
Others in the waiting room I heard had been waiting for 3 months for their interviews! They were US passport holders.

Westham

My wife and I applied online (we are both USC) and within 2 weeks got approval and then scheduled our appointments, first available at Long Beach CA was September (approx. 6 month wait) I then checked LAX and got an appointment for both of us on June 13th (7 weeks after application was approved) We were also surprised that you can schedule up to and including 8.30 p.m. We took 8.00 p.m. so we don't have to miss a work day and should also miss most of the Los Angeles/LAX traffic.

Steve_

Well I did, lucky me. Not sure why but I know they had problems with the "issuing authority" on the passports, they couldn't change it but now they can so perhaps they wanted to physically see it.