Global Entry Expanded to Citizens of India
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced the expansion of Global Entry eligibility to citizens of India, making it the 11th country overall with which CBP has a trusted traveler arrangement. Other participating countries include Argentina, Colombia, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, Panama, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada.
What is Global Entry? Global Entry is one of CBP’s most successful and popular programs. It allows U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. lawful permanent residents and citizens of certain countries (listed above) to bypass traditional CBP inspection lines and use automated kiosks to complete their admission to the U.S. For millions of international travelers, this program streamlines the arrival process.
How do I sign up? Eligible individuals must complete an online application. This includes a $100 non-refundable application fee and a background check. If the traveler passes the background check, the last step is scheduling an interview with CBP. This can be done at one of the more than 100 Global Entry Enrollment Centers located throughout the U.S., Canada and Qatar. A CBP officer will then review your application and make a final eligibility determination.
With application volume steadily increasing, CBP recently launched Enrollment on Arrival at five international airports: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Rather than scheduling an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center, this program lets travelers complete the CBP interview during primary inspection. This will shorten enrollment wait times at some of the busiest enrollment areas.
How does it work once I am approved? Once approved, program members should proceed to Global Entry kiosks at the airport. There, travelers will present their machine-readable passport or Green Card, place their fingerprints on the scanner for verification and complete a customs declaration. The kiosk will then issue a transaction receipt and direct the traveler to baggage claim and exit.
Keep in mind, Global Entry members may still be selected for further examination when entering the U.S. Any violation of the program’s terms and conditions will result in the appropriate enforcement action and termination of the traveler’s membership privileges. For members who are not U.S. citizens or Green Card holders, maintaining updated visa information is necessary. CBP must be notified when members obtain a new visa or a new petition for a work visa. Adding or updating visa information must be done in-person at a Global Entry enrollment center.
If you are interested in visiting, working or living in the United States, please contact our office to set up a consultation with one of our attorneys today!
