P_M

On April 20, just 4 days ago, I suggested to middle sis that she should apply for Global Entry. I thought the whole process would take months, as she's never had it before.

Today, just 4 days after filling out the application, she got the email of her conditional approval. She scheduled an interview at her home airport for May 1, just a week from today.

I'm in a state of shock that the process has improved so much. I renewed mine in November and I got notice of approval in February, with no interview required. I thought that was fast, but this is crazy.

Has anyone else had this experience recently?

Florida1

DH’s global entry had expired and he renewed it recently. It was really fast. I don’t remember exact dates but I’m pretty sure it was less than two weeks from filling out the forms online for renewal to having the card delivered to him.

P_M

It's good to hear that Florida1. I can't imagine what's changed since November when I applied, but I'm glad things have improved.

HappyTrvlr

Good to hear. I recently renewed ours for the second time and it took two weeks.

Patty

I renewed mine July 2023 and it took until February 2024 for approval!

My passport renewal last month however was very fast, a little over two weeks without expediting.

gruezi

Thanks for sharing this - I really ought to renew mine. It was in process when Covid hit so I never finished it. I’m headed to Colombia in June and maybe I can get it by then.

starrs

Mine was approved quickly but no appointments nearby. I'll do it when I reenter next month. It will be nice to have it, although MPC has worked fairly well so far.

P_M

gruezi, I think you have a good chance of getting it by June. I hope you'll give it a try.

P_M

Starrs, your plan to do it on entry is a good one, but I read that they add new appointments on the first Monday of each month at 9am local time. Maybe if you check then, you'll get something sooner.

ekscrunchy

Unfortunately, I waited to renew until after mine was expired.
I filled out the forms in December and am still waiting.
I went in person to the office in Riviera Beach port in Florida and the agent told me that some people are now waiting a year for a renewal. My big mistake was not renewing before mine expired. I surely hope it comes through soon since I have a trip planned next month.

robertwinston3516

Yes, the process has become faster, benefiting travelers. It's great to see such positive changes!

janisj

OK -- this may be a new world record. When I saw P_M's thread on Wed, it caused me to check my GE account which expires 12-2. So Thurs. evening I applied for renewal and tonight at 9:25 PDT I received an e-mail to check the site for a status change. I logged in, entered the code they sent me, went to my dashboard and . . . I am approved with no interview required. 49 hours start to finish!

janisj

OOPS -- that should read "So Thurs Wed. evening I applied for renewal . . ."

ekscrunchy

Well, I'm very happy for everyone!!

I'm still waiting, since December!!

P_M

Wow Janis, that's great!! Congrats on the world record.

I'm glad this thread inspired you to renew. You've helped me so many times, this is a very small way to return the favor. 😀

janisj

Thanks to you too. I hadn't thought about my GE expiration date since I almost never carry the physical card (actually thought I had a couple of years left on it! ) I know I renewed early but figured it would take at least a month or two and I'd get it out of the way. Curious why some renewals entail an in-person interview and some don't. This is my second renewal and last time there also was no interview . . .

P_M

Same for me Janis. I have renewed twice and my only interview was when I was initially approved, but never for a renewal. When DH renewed, he had another interview. I have no idea why, since neither of us have a criminal record.

sassy27

Thanks. I told my friend I was traveling with that the approval process seems to have gotten a lot better. When coming through immigration yesterday, I saw a line that looked miles long yet for GE, I was the only person.

The long line was actually for all other passports but still made me grateful for having it. I was able to get to bathroom and still had to wait for my friend and luggage but better to sit and wait instead of standing.

Patty

My parents, my husband and I have all renewed twice without a need to interview again.

tomfuller

My wife and I have a poor attitude toward the TSA. Every time we fly she has to show the scar from her knee replacement. She is still mad about having the 4 ounce plastic bottle of holy water (blessed by a priest) stolen from her. She was planning on baptizing one of our grandchildren.
As a government employee for more than 40 years, I feel no need to pay a bribe to get "special treatment". I will never pay extra to get a "star" on my drivers license or pay for an interview at an airport. If my valid US passport won't get me on a plane, I'll continue to ride Amtrak. I was told by a TSA agent that after next year I don't have to take off my shoes (I'll be 75).