I'm not sure what makes me feel older, the fact that I found a grey hair in the bathroom this morning, or the fact that my Global Entry clearance is about to expire.
That's right. A full five years of being a card-carrying member has passed.
But since 2013, a lot of things have changed. In fact, the biggest change may be that CBP Trusted Traveler Programs website has completely relaunched in that time, and none of the old information has carried over.
That's not to say members should be worried: Sign-ups before October 1, 2017 are no longer in the database, so the biggest hurdle to renewing that application is that creating and relinking the account using the GOES ID or KTN number.
It may also be a great time to figure out when those Global Entry benefits expire! In most cases, its possible to renew Global Entry as early as one year prior to the expiration date (give it a good 4 weeks in case there's an interview).
Either way, members should get an email notification a few months before it actually does (but don't count on it).
The process of renewing expedited clearance
More or less, the gist of it is that if Global Entry is renewed before the expiration date, there's really no break or lapse in the benefits. The other option is death (clarification: submitting a completely new application).
Here's a couple of screenshots of the process:
There have been reports that few Global Entry members were granted renewal without an interview; in other cases, other members may receive a conditional approval and may have to go through another interview (see sample letter below).
The interview must at least be scheduled within the next 30 days if it doesn't take place in the next 30 days.
I mean, it's kinda like the entire process again, but expedited. If there are issues, expect to be forthright in the interview process.
Applicants that are successfully renewed will not have their GOES number change.
Meanwhile, let's not forget that NEXUS ($50) includes Global Entry benefits. Or that the Mobile Passport App is completely free.
But, sometimes, even though it's time to move on, it's tempting to keep a souvenir of good times past.
Notification of Conditional Approval Letter
(via FlyerTalk)
Global Entry
Aug 28, 2015WILLISTON, VT
PO BOX 946
Williston, VT 05495
USJACK FROST
1000 MAIN ST
CENTERVILLE, 02234-5678
USRe: Your application for the Global Entry Program Membership #"123456789"
Dear "JACK FROST":
We are pleased to inform you that your U. S. Customs and Border Protection, Global Entry membership application has been processed and you are now invited to visit an enrollment center to complete the enrollment process.
In order to finalize your Global Entry enrollment, you must schedule your Global Entry Interview within 30 days of the date of this letter. You do not have to complete the interview within 30 days. To do this, please log in through GOES (Global Online Enrollment System) using the user name and password you established when you completed your initial application. Once you have logged in, please schedule your interview using the blue "Schedule Interview" button located on the right side of the screen. If you have already visited the enrollment center for this application, please disregard this letter.
You must bring the following original documents with you to the enrollment center:
- A valid passport. If you travel using more than one passport, please bring them to the interview so that the information can be added to your file. This provides you with the ability to use either passport at the Global Entry kiosk;
- A permanent resident card (if applicable);
- Documents providing evidence of residency. Examples are: driver's license (if the address is current), mortgage statement, rental payment statement, utility bill, etc.
When you visit the Enrollment Center, we will review your application and any additional information you provide at that time. We will verify your identity, review your documentation, and take your fingerprints and photograph. Finally, we will explain the terms and conditions of the Global Entry program and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Your Global Entry membership number is, "123456789", if your account is approved, this will become your Known Traveler Number for your TSA Pre-Check benefit. For more information on the TSA Pre-Check program please visit their web site at www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck.
Thank you for applying to the Global Entry Program. If you have any questions, please visit the Global Entry website at www.globalentry.gov. You may also contact the CBP Info Center at (877) 227-5511 or by visiting their website at https://help.cbp.gov.
Respectfully,
(unsigned)
Supervisor, Global Entry Enrollment Center
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
