Recent EoA experience at DFW (should have been LAX, but a BA cancellation changed that).

Wife and both offspring (all UK citizens) needed EoA, first time applicants. Asked the staff managing the (minimal) waiting lines what the process was, and was told any immigration officer except booths 1 and 2 could do it at the same time as immigration. Great. Before starting the immigration process, fortunately asked the CBP officer if he could do EoA, he said no, try another booth. Officer #2 at another booth also said no. Officer #3 just starting shift at yet another booth thankfully said yes.

While waiting for him to process regular immigration for the large family in front of us, the line-agent tried to move us as that line was “only for US citizens” (family being processed in front of us were also non-citizens/LPRs). Just gently ignored her as the CBP officer had already agreed to do it. He then did our immigration and processed their EoA, polite and friendly. He said it might take up to 2 weeks for the status to change to approved, but it changed within 48 hours, all now have fully approved GE.

Takeaways:

1. Immigration processing and EoA can be done at the same time in DFW, but
2. Best to check with the CBP officer before starting immigration that they are able/willing to do EoA (possible there will be fewer refusals in the US citizen lines, obviously didn’t get to check that).

Hope this helps.