Global Entry: A Memoir
I've heard about this program a few years back. Based on what I then knew, the application process was tedious. So I was hesitant to apply.
As I traveled extensively, however, I realized its importance. Last summer, I finally considered applying. The fee was $100 valid for 5 years. Having a Global Entry would enable me to bypass horrendous airport security. This means, I no longer have to take off my shoes!
The application: indeed was tedious. I had to remember pretty much everything significant about my life within the past 10 years such as jobs I've held, addresses etc. There came a point when my information was not aligning so I kind of put it off...until a few weeks ago. Yup, it took me almost a year to complete my application. Haha.
That said, when my application was submitted, I felt a sense of relief. I then would have to wait for it to be reviewed. Based on what I read online, it would take 10 business days to get a notified whether I'd get conditionally approved or not. As far as I'm concerned, as long as you have a clean record, you should be fine. After 10 days, I finally got a notification that my application has been conditionally approved. Yay! The next step would be to schedule an interview.
The moment I got conditionally approved, I checked for an immediate slot for my interview. Initially, the earliest slot would be in August. I was like, what? That long? But then, I heard it's pretty "normal." The next option would be to "walk-in" and see if I could be accommodated. I constantly checked for site if anyone canceled. And miraculously, something opened up the following day. Hooray! I booked it immediately.
My interview was set at 12:30. Perfect. Lunch time! Off I went to the CBP office at the airport. I brought everything they I thought I would need - letter of approval, passport, drivers licence/government issued ID, and a copy of my pay stub just in case they wanted an additional supporting document. The CBP office was very prompt. I got called in and they really only asked for my passport. That's it! After a few more moments, the interview started. It wasn't really an interview. It was more like verifying the information on my application form like have I been convicted etc. They also asked me why I wanted a Global Entry. Then I got fingerprinted. That was it. Literally, after 5 minutes. I was done! The officer, however, didn't mention if I was fully approved or not. So I got nervous. I thought, oh shoots, I did not get approve. Huhuhuhu. She said I would get a notification within 48 hours. More agony!
I went back to the office. Still had time to eat. As I was eating, I kept refreshing my phone if I got a notification. Nada. So I went to the GOES website, and there it was - APPROVED. Haha. I was so elated. :D
I didn't realize how easy obtaining a Global Entry is! Well, the application process can be tedious. But personally, as long as you have a clean record, you should be fine!
Ah, I can't wait to try its benefits!
As I traveled extensively, however, I realized its importance. Last summer, I finally considered applying. The fee was $100 valid for 5 years. Having a Global Entry would enable me to bypass horrendous airport security. This means, I no longer have to take off my shoes!
The application: indeed was tedious. I had to remember pretty much everything significant about my life within the past 10 years such as jobs I've held, addresses etc. There came a point when my information was not aligning so I kind of put it off...until a few weeks ago. Yup, it took me almost a year to complete my application. Haha.
That said, when my application was submitted, I felt a sense of relief. I then would have to wait for it to be reviewed. Based on what I read online, it would take 10 business days to get a notified whether I'd get conditionally approved or not. As far as I'm concerned, as long as you have a clean record, you should be fine. After 10 days, I finally got a notification that my application has been conditionally approved. Yay! The next step would be to schedule an interview.
The moment I got conditionally approved, I checked for an immediate slot for my interview. Initially, the earliest slot would be in August. I was like, what? That long? But then, I heard it's pretty "normal." The next option would be to "walk-in" and see if I could be accommodated. I constantly checked for site if anyone canceled. And miraculously, something opened up the following day. Hooray! I booked it immediately.
My interview was set at 12:30. Perfect. Lunch time! Off I went to the CBP office at the airport. I brought everything they I thought I would need - letter of approval, passport, drivers licence/government issued ID, and a copy of my pay stub just in case they wanted an additional supporting document. The CBP office was very prompt. I got called in and they really only asked for my passport. That's it! After a few more moments, the interview started. It wasn't really an interview. It was more like verifying the information on my application form like have I been convicted etc. They also asked me why I wanted a Global Entry. Then I got fingerprinted. That was it. Literally, after 5 minutes. I was done! The officer, however, didn't mention if I was fully approved or not. So I got nervous. I thought, oh shoots, I did not get approve. Huhuhuhu. She said I would get a notification within 48 hours. More agony!
I went back to the office. Still had time to eat. As I was eating, I kept refreshing my phone if I got a notification. Nada. So I went to the GOES website, and there it was - APPROVED. Haha. I was so elated. :D
I didn't realize how easy obtaining a Global Entry is! Well, the application process can be tedious. But personally, as long as you have a clean record, you should be fine!
Ah, I can't wait to try its benefits!
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