Global entry application: still waiting for conditional approval after three months

[Anonymous]

I applied for my family in early June, and just checked and it's still pending review. Is it taking this long these days? Should I try contacting someone to check? No international travel anytime soon although traveled this summer (hence the application).

[Anonymous]

The approval timelines seem completely random, which honestly is pretty disconcerting from a government agency.

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trusted-travelers/1066899-global-entry-processing-timelines-first-time-applications-us-citizens-lpr-s-71.html

There are some people in there who waited 4 months for conditional approval for applications in the spring, others who applied and were approved within 10 days at the same time.

Probably worth a call, but sadly you appear to be on the "long wait for no discernible reason" list, and likely just have to continue waiting.

[Anonymous]

Here is info on the number to call to check/escalate your application.

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/31519400-post1031.html

[Anonymous]

I applied on April 1st. and didn't get my conditional approval until August 9th. They told me that the volume was high when I went for my interview. I think it depends on how complex your situation is. I travel out of the country for work all the time, including to places that the U.S. doesn't have good relationships, and I was born in the U.K., so am naturalized. At the interview the woman next to me was out in 2 minutes but it took me about 10 minutes. But I got the approval there, with the number. Confirmation email the next day and received my GE card a week later.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The approval timelines seem completely random, which honestly is pretty disconcerting from a government agency.

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trusted-travelers/1066899-global-entry-processing-timelines-first-time-applications-us-citizens-lpr-s-71.html

There are some people in there who waited 4 months for conditional approval for applications in the spring, others who applied and were approved within 10 days at the same time.

Probably worth a call, but sadly you appear to be on the "long wait for no discernible reason" list, and likely just have to continue waiting.

OP, thanks. I applied for myself and my husband and young kid. My husband was born in a country with a large Muslim population, but has been a US citizen since his teens--I wonder if this could be the reason? Neither of us have traveled to any conflict areas or anything recently. Maybe I'm paranoid, and the process really is just random.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I applied on April 1st. and didn't get my conditional approval until August 9th. They told me that the volume was high when I went for my interview. I think it depends on how complex your situation is. I travel out of the country for work all the time, including to places that the U.S. doesn't have good relationships, and I was born in the U.K., so am naturalized. At the interview the woman next to me was out in 2 minutes but it took me about 10 minutes. But I got the approval there, with the number. Confirmation email the next day and received my GE card a week later.

OP here, thanks. Husband is also naturalized, having lived in UK and before that an African country. I wonder if that may have something to do with the wait time. I guess that doesn't make sense, though, since my kid and I were born here and our applications are also still pending.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The approval timelines seem completely random, which honestly is pretty disconcerting from a government agency.

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trusted-travelers/1066899-global-entry-processing-timelines-first-time-applications-us-citizens-lpr-s-71.html

There are some people in there who waited 4 months for conditional approval for applications in the spring, others who applied and were approved within 10 days at the same time.

Probably worth a call, but sadly you appear to be on the "long wait for no discernible reason" list, and likely just have to continue waiting.

OP, thanks. I applied for myself and my husband and young kid. My husband was born in a country with a large Muslim population, but has been a US citizen since his teens--I wonder if this could be the reason? Neither of us have traveled to any conflict areas or anything recently. Maybe I'm paranoid, and the process really is just random.

This appears to be the standard message they are sending to people who call/email about delays.

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/31520736-post1034.html

"Due to the crisis at the southern border, as well as an increase in the popularity of the Trusted Traveler Programs, we are currently experiencing delays in processing times for both new and current applications. At present, average processing times are roughly 3-5 months for Global Entry and NEXUS, and 8-10 months for SENTRI. However, these estimates are subject to frequent revisions, as new data becomes available. We are aware that this is an inconvenience for many applicants and are working to improve processing times.

If your request for a status check has been escalated, then it is being reviewed for any needed action. Please note that escalations merely ensure that your application has been routed correctly. Applications cannot be expedited. Please continue to check your TTP dashboard for status updates."

But at the same time, some people are reporting getting conditional approval within 5-10 days. So I wouldn't take anything personally or try to read anything deep into any of it right now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The approval timelines seem completely random, which honestly is pretty disconcerting from a government agency.

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trusted-travelers/1066899-global-entry-processing-timelines-first-time-applications-us-citizens-lpr-s-71.html

There are some people in there who waited 4 months for conditional approval for applications in the spring, others who applied and were approved within 10 days at the same time.

Probably worth a call, but sadly you appear to be on the "long wait for no discernible reason" list, and likely just have to continue waiting.

OP, thanks. I applied for myself and my husband and young kid. My husband was born in a country with a large Muslim population, but has been a US citizen since his teens--I wonder if this could be the reason? Neither of us have traveled to any conflict areas or anything recently. Maybe I'm paranoid, and the process really is just random.

This appears to be the standard message they are sending to people who call/email about delays.

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/31520736-post1034.html

"Due to the crisis at the southern border, as well as an increase in the popularity of the Trusted Traveler Programs, we are currently experiencing delays in processing times for both new and current applications. At present, average processing times are roughly 3-5 months for Global Entry and NEXUS, and 8-10 months for SENTRI. However, these estimates are subject to frequent revisions, as new data becomes available. We are aware that this is an inconvenience for many applicants and are working to improve processing times.

If your request for a status check has been escalated, then it is being reviewed for any needed action. Please note that escalations merely ensure that your application has been routed correctly. Applications cannot be expedited. Please continue to check your TTP dashboard for status updates."

But at the same time, some people are reporting getting conditional approval within 5-10 days. So I wouldn't take anything personally or try to read anything deep into any of it right now.

OP again, thanks for this info. Okay, I'll be patient. It's possible we may travel internationally in the spring, and if so we should be set by then.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

OP again, thanks for this info. Okay, I'll be patient. It's possible we may travel internationally in the spring, and if so we should be set by then.

When you do get approval, note that even if interview times are way off into the future, you can still do walk-ins at the CBP office at the Reagan Building at Federal Triangle. Here is most recent experience from July.

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/31296235-post578.html

Unfortunately they cut their Saturday times, which was obviously super convenient for families. But still open 7-7 Monday-Friday.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

OP again, thanks for this info. Okay, I'll be patient. It's possible we may travel internationally in the spring, and if so we should be set by then.

When you do get approval, note that even if interview times are way off into the future, you can still do walk-ins at the CBP office at the Reagan Building at Federal Triangle. Here is most recent experience from July.

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/31296235-post578.html

Unfortunately they cut their Saturday times, which was obviously super convenient for families. But still open 7-7 Monday-Friday.

OP here, thanks--yes luckily I work not far from there, so I can walk in during the week.

[Anonymous]

So I just applied for Global Entry this week and I was approved tonight. I went to make an appointment and there are none. Nothing between now and at least next June (when I have up looking in VA/DC/MD).

It is so frustrating and the CBP website does not provide good information on the walk-in process. Other than if you’re coming back from an international flight, you can do your interview then. That makes a lot of sense. I’ll pay for an international ticket in order to ensure I get an appt before my approval expires...

Thank you to the PP that provided the flyer talk article. I had read other articles online about people trying to do walk-ins in other cities and getting to the offices at 4am, waiting all day, and still not getting interviewed.

[Anonymous]

My friend had the same issue - no appointments available - and walked in to Reagan building around 130 pm last Thursday and was done in 10 min. Just wanted to give a recent experience. She had a 4-5 month wait for initial approval however.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My friend had the same issue - no appointments available - and walked in to Reagan building around 130 pm last Thursday and was done in 10 min. Just wanted to give a recent experience. She had a 4-5 month wait for initial approval however.

Thank you! I’m the PP above and that’s helpful!