Global Entry - how long from interview to full approval?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are all conditionally approved. How long from our interviews until when we can fully use the service - anyone want to share how long it took for them? Do we get a physical card or just a number? How does it work? Thx.

Did interview on departure at IAD. By the time I sat down at my gate I had my approval and known traveler number. By the time I returned from my 10 day trip I had my card. I used my known traveler number for entry into the US. The end. Very easy and efficient.

OP here. Will be similar for us. So how exactly do we use the number on our return if we haven’t been home yet to get the cards from the mail? Thanks.

You don't need the KTN for entering the US at an airport. Your GE profile will be linked to your passport and to the face scan you do at the GE interview. Just go to the GE kiosks when you reenter the US, it will scan your face and find you in the system. Worst comes to worst you scan your passport.

As for the KTN, it's actually in your conditional approval letter, or was for us years ago. Should be at the top of one of the pages. You only need that to put into your plane reservations to ensure you get PreCheck on your boarding pass

OP here. Thanks, this is great to know. Our TSA Pre is still active for another year so that’s already on our plane reservations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can you share what the whole process is for getting the Global Entry? How do I apply? Where? Interview? Where?

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry

Use this link to apply to the program.
Regularly sign into the portal to check progress- I never received an email letting me know of a status update. When it says you are conditional approval that means your application has passed preliminary checks and you are eligible to proceed to the next step, which is an in-person interview.
I interviewed on departure at IAD near Gate B41 on the way out of the country on an international trip (this is past security, so you need to be traveling)
Was approved immediately
When I returned from my international trip, I followed the line for GE and I either scanned my face or my passport - I don't remember - I've had to do both on other recent trips
Follow the GE line and they will wave you through
It's easy now that they have the interview on departure

[Anonymous]

I did my application as I was flying out and they did my "interview" basically as I was returning, and then we got the cards in the mail maybe a week later.