How to Apply for Global Entry (GEP) in the USA

Did you know the United States has a provision of expedited immigration and customs processing for travellers. This provision for pre-approved travellers is called the Global Entry Program. What is more, Indian travellers can opt for this program and get through the entry into the US faster. This special program is for frequent travellers and individuals who have friends and family in the US. 

Whether you travel to the US often for business trips, meetings, conferences, or to meet family, you can apply for GEP with Documitra. 

What is Global Entry Program (GEP)

Global Entry Program is a Trusted Traveller Program managed by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The membership for the program is of five years and is up for low-risk travellers. Enrolled members of the programs receive priority and faster immigration while entering into the US. It provides certain benefits to the pre-approved members, including expedited entry, reduced waiting times and avoiding long queues at the airport. 

Eligibility for Global Entry Program Application 

• US citizens and US legal permanent residents are eligible for the program. 
• Non-US citizens from certain countries are also eligible. 
• Eligible candidates have to go through an extensive background check and an interview to get enrolled in the program. 
• Minors can be included in the parent’s application with no additional cost as long as they meet the requirements. 

Benefits of GEP

• Expedited immigration and customs processing during entry into the US. 
• Eligibility for TSA PreCheck. This allows for faster domestic security screening. 
• Significantly lower waiting times. 
• No more long queues. 

How to Apply for Global Entry Permit

Citizens of other countries, including Indian nationals, can apply for GEP by registering on the online CBP application. Follow the process given below to apply for global entry application. 

• CBP Application: The first step is registering yourself to access the Trusted Traveller Program. Log in to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) TTP. Fill the details, including personal information, passport details, and travel history. 
• Background Verification: To get enrolled in the program, you must undergo background verification in your home country. In India, you have to visit the Passport Seva Online Portal and select ‘Apply for Background Verification for GEP’. There you have to fill in the personal information and necessary details. Then pay the online application fee. 
• Document Submission: Download and print your CBP form. At the same time, gather supporting documents including a copy of your passport, address proof, etc. Submit the form and documents to a Global VFS centre. 
• Interview: After your background verification has been done, an interview will be scheduled by the CBP. If you pass the interview and your application is approved, you will be enrolled in the Global Entry Program. If you have to travel to the US before the scheduled interview, then you can go for the Enrollment on Arrival at one of the selected US airports. 

Reasons for Global Entry Program Application Rejection

As the processing of enrolling in this specific Trusted Traveller Program includes extensive background checks, some applications can get rejected. Some of the reasons for rejection are: 

• You have active criminal charges, legal cases in the US or your home country. 
• You have ongoing investigations regarding tax fraud or other such legal complications. 
• You have violated immigration laws. 
• You did not pay the application fee. 
• You did not submit the correct supporting documents. 

Practical Tips

• Membership lasts five years. Therefore you must apply for renewal before expiration if you wish to continue benefiting from the program. 
• CBP reserves the right for inspections. Therefore, enrolled members might still have to go through additional security checks and inspection during entry. 
• You must be mindful of the rules and regulations of the program. If you violate any regulation, you might risk losing the membership.
• The application process, including background verification, in India can take different processing time for different applicants. This is due to the involvement of multiple official organizations in the process. 
• It is wise to keep copies of all filed forms, receipts and notifications. 

How Documitra Can Help You

Global Entry Program is a coveted traveller program that provides multiple benefits to the members, including expedited entry into the US while travelling. Enrolling in this program not only saves precious time for travellers, but also the efforts and stress of immigration. Therefore, this is a must for travelers who frequently visit the US for business meetings, conferences, visiting family, or for any reason whatsoever.

However, applying for the program can be confusing and daunting, with Global Entry application forms and background verification. Hence, you should take assistance from professionals like the team at Documitra. We can handle document verification, application forms and official processes for you, so you can focus on planning your next trip.  

FAQs

Q. Who can apply for the Global Entry Program (GEP) in the US?

Eligible candidates who are citizens or legal permanents of the US or citizens of other countries. Applicants have to register themselves for the program, go through background verification and pass an interview. 

Q. What are the benefits of enrolling in the Global Entry Program (GEP) in the USA? 

There are many benefits of enrolling in the GEP. These include getting expedited immigration and customs processing while getting entry into the US. Members are also eligible for TSA PreCheck as well. 

Q. What is the processing time to get enrolled in the GEP? 

The processing time to get enrolled in the GEP depends on the applicant’s visa history, home country, and other factors. This is because the application process involves background checks in the home country of the applicant. 

Q. Do I have to give an interview for the Global Entry Program? 

Yes, you are required to attend the scheduled interview by the CBP. However, if your application is approved, you have to visit the US before the interview. Then you can go for Enrollment on Arrival at one of the selected US airports. If you are approved, you can get enrolled in the US.