Excellent reminder. Thanks for the update.

Thanks for the update and happy it worked out for you. Interesting that it was chicken �flavoring� that caused them to confiscate the noodles. I realize there are restrictions on certain meat and apparently poultry products but flavoring? That�s strict or maybe misguided.

How did you find out that was the reason for denial? Just curious because so many people seem to get only unhelpful and vague reasons such as �does not meet the criteria�.

Actually, I just guessed. When I got turned down, I asked the agent who was interviewing me why, and and just looked at me and said "is there anything in your background you can think of?" I've never been convicted of a crime, so I just thought that being in North Korea might be the reason. I told him that, and he just said "Well, you can write the ombudsman and explain it and they might approve you." So he didn't really confirm my suspicion, but I could kind of tell by his body language that I was probably right. When I wrote my letter, I said "The only thing that I think could cause a denial was my trip to North Korea in 2007.." and explained it from there.

This thread is about Global Entry denials.

A recent question about a TSA Pre✓ denial due to a a conviction following a citation, not an arrest, was moved to the following thread where TSA Pre✓ denials have been discussed:
TWA884
Travel Safety/Security co-moderator

During my GE interview we discussed my tourist travels to North Korea (2009), Iran (2011), Sudan (2009), Yemen (2007), Somaliland (2013) and others and I was approved (along with my wife who was in the same places). We also lived in Dubai for 3 years.

If I may ask... when was your GE interview? Obama era or Trump era?

It was before this year. Even for applications this year, such kind of travel made before this year isn't generally a problem for getting GE approval.

I have been meaning to apply for Global Entry and finally decide to do it but hearing about all these denials is making me think twice.

Over 11 years ago I blew a .01 and was arrested because I was under the legal age. The case was dismissed but my understanding is that still means I was charged just not convicted. I was 18 or 19 at the time. Is it likely that I may not be approved because of this incident? Should I just apply for TSA PreCheck?

I hate to waste $100 only to likely be denied for Global Entry. I understand that part of the process is honestly answering all the questions.

Does anyone have a similar experience or insight?

If you weren't charged with a felony, and you have no other legal issues, then I think you would be able to get approved. I don't have similar experience, but this is based on what I've read on these threads.

Posts discussing the CBP list of Global Entry revocations and restatements for the period of 11/06/2016 to 6/6/2017 were moved to the following thread:
TWA884
Travel Safety/Security co-moderator

+1. The list thread suggests that an arrest that can be proved not to have led to a conviction should not be disqualifying. The arrest will show up in the background search, so disclose it and explain that the charges were dismissed. Obtain proof of that, or at least be able to in advance of the interview. In addition, not sure but I would guess that's a misdemeanor anyway (underage drinking I assume, not DWI), and at least one entry in the list suggests misdemeanors >10 years ago also don't disqualify.

I searched the forum and found one story of a person denied from the Global Entry program due to an overstayed visa as a child. I was was wondering if anyone else has applied or know someone who applied for Global Entry with a record of overstayed visa? Did the overstay occur recently or a long time ago? What was the outcome?

Thanks in advance!

After 5 years, a reapplication, another ombudsman rejection, a FOIA response pretending that a file to which the ombudsman's office referred in their rejection did not exist, and a FOIA appeal that demonstrated the government was lying about the nonexistence of the file in the FOIA response, I now have the answer.

Admission of any previous marijuana use, even though it is currently legal where I live, will disqualify you for life from Global Entry under the "strict program requirements" banner.

If the officer asks you this question, you are officially screwed because to obtain Global Entry you would be forced to make a false statement to a federal agent. The questions they choose to ask you seem to be at their discretion, so, perhaps cutting your hair and wearing a suit to your interview like it's still the 1950s would be a safe bet.

Who/how were you told that any use of marijuana was what disqualified you?