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-   -   Is Global Entry worthwhile? (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trusted-travelers/917913-global-entry-worthwhile.html)

Cosmos M Oct 7, 2009 3:22 pm

I have had it for a few months and its already saved HOURS of waiting at ORD. Finally, DHS does something good!

nrr Oct 7, 2009 3:38 pm


Originally Posted by greg99 (Post 12559460)
Last update. There were a few technical glitches where they couldn't find my information on the system, but once sorted, the process was very simple. Handful of questions, fingerprints, picture and out.

Officers could not be more polite, process couldn't have been smoother (other than apparently inexplicable technical issue w/ their computer system).

My guess, from a couple of things that happened with the process, is that the system does not respond well to people aggressively trying to get this done. E.g., trying to schedule an interview immediately after getting the notification, and having the interview the day after conditional approval is granted, causes problems.

My advice is to have a little more patience than I had, and it probably goes easier.

Greg

I received conditional approval on 9/19 and on 9/20 scheduled by interview at JFK T4 for 9/21. The whole interview took 10 minutes (probably would have been shorter, but the retrace of the computer screen, as note by the agent, was slow.)

Peregrine415 Oct 9, 2009 3:41 pm

Here's my situation: I am enrolled in Nexus. I applied for GE this afternoon and got my approval email in 4 hours. Now what? Should I just walk to a machine and use it or is there an interview or card in the mail? Thanks.

GoingAway Oct 9, 2009 4:49 pm


Originally Posted by Peregrine415 (Post 12587248)
Here's my situation: I am enrolled in Nexus. I applied for GE this afternoon and got my approval email in 4 hours. Now what? Should I just walk to a machine and use it or is there an interview or card in the mail? Thanks.

did you read your approval email? What did it say? Doubtful you get to avoid the interview entirely.

nrr Oct 11, 2009 3:54 pm


Originally Posted by Peregrine415 (Post 12587248)
Here's my situation: I am enrolled in Nexus. I applied for GE this afternoon and got my approval email in 4 hours. Now what? Should I just walk to a machine and use it or is there an interview or card in the mail? Thanks.

With GE there is NO card, your passport, photo and fingerprints must be registered in the system and a CBP sticker is placed on the passport cover.
I guess some of this must be done in person with an agent, even if you are NEXUS approved.

coastda Oct 11, 2009 4:19 pm

Re-issue?
 
I paid, went through the first interview, my prints apparently were of poor quality so I was asked to come back and every time I can through IAD the office was closed. I was told that my application had "lapsed," so my question is do I have to start all over again or what. I travel a couple times a years overseas and just got a new passport. Does it have to be encoded or what??

nrr Oct 11, 2009 8:09 pm


Originally Posted by coastda (Post 12603014)
I paid, went through the first interview, my prints apparently were of poor quality so I was asked to come back and every time I can through IAD the office was closed. I was told that my application had "lapsed," so my question is do I have to start all over again or what. I travel a couple times a years overseas and just got a new passport. Does it have to be encoded or what??

For GE you must have your new pp entered into the system.

nrr Oct 11, 2009 8:15 pm

When I had my interview on 9/21 the agent noted that sometimes if your hands are too dry (as would be the case when flying on a jet) the fingerprints may not appear with the correct clarity--his suggestion was to wipe your fingers on your forehead before scanning them, as this will add a bit of moisture, has anyone else been told this during their interview?

ESpen36 Oct 11, 2009 8:28 pm


Originally Posted by nrr (Post 12602874)
I guess some of this must be done in person with an agent, even if you are NEXUS approved.



Nope. If you are a NEXUS member in good standing, then you have already met (and actually exceeded*) the qualifications for GlobalEntry membership. So, as long as your NEXUS membership is still valid, just log back into GOES and apply for GlobalEntry, and you should get automatic approval with no need for an interview or further biometrics.



*NEXUS requires you to pass background checks and interviews conducted by both CBP and CBSA. GlobalEntry requires the same, but only for CBP. So, by being a NEXUS member in good standing, you have already satisfied GlobalEntry eligibility requirements. Hence, I think, why there is no further fee or interview required.

chollie Oct 12, 2009 6:27 am


Originally Posted by nrr (Post 12604455)
When I had my interview on 9/21 the agent noted that sometimes if your hands are too dry (as would be the case when flying on a jet) the fingerprints may not appear with the correct clarity--his suggestion was to wipe your fingers on your forehead before scanning them, as this will add a bit of moisture, has anyone else been told this during their interview?

Nope, but it happened to me at the IAH kiosk.

HeadInTheClouds Oct 12, 2009 7:07 am


Originally Posted by nrr (Post 12604455)
When I had my interview on 9/21 the agent noted that sometimes if your hands are too dry (as would be the case when flying on a jet) the fingerprints may not appear with the correct clarity--his suggestion was to wipe your fingers on your forehead before scanning them, as this will add a bit of moisture, has anyone else been told this during their interview?

Yes. Was told that in almost those exact words.

nrr Oct 12, 2009 7:13 am


Originally Posted by HeadInTheClouds (Post 12607353)
Yes. Was told that in almost those exact words.

Wouldn't a moist towelette work better? These come in multipacks as well as in individual packs (like the type you get at some restaurants).

goaliemn Oct 13, 2009 8:11 am


Originally Posted by Peregrine415 (Post 12587248)
Here's my situation: I am enrolled in Nexus. I applied for GE this afternoon and got my approval email in 4 hours. Now what? Should I just walk to a machine and use it or is there an interview or card in the mail?

Like others said, no interview or anything. Just walk up to the machine. If you go to an interview location, they will apply a sticker to your passport that will let you use the crew lines if the machines are down.

I just walked into the ATL customs office and they were able to verify I was cleared (swiped my passport) and stuck a sticker on. They did ask if I wanted to try a test machine, but I was running tight on time between flights, so I said no and was on my way.

HeadInTheClouds Oct 13, 2009 4:51 pm


Originally Posted by nrr (Post 12607377)
Wouldn't a moist towelette work better? These come in multipacks as well as in individual packs (like the type you get at some restaurants).

I have no idea, I'm certainly not an expert on the subject. But I would think that something with alcohol in it (doesn't a towelette contain alcohol?) would make your hands dryer, not moister. But the guy was weirdly insistent about the head-wipe description. So much so that it stuck with me.

GITU Oct 15, 2009 9:25 am

Applied for GOES yesterday. Pending review. I hope i didn't make any careless mistakes when filling out the application.

Any college students here? How did you explain your lack of income and your travel habits?

Thanks!


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