One silver lining where the pandemic is concerned is that has forced companies to either speed up their plans to work remotely or forced them to get with the 21st century. This includes the United States government.
One of the best things to happen to international travelers is the introduction of Global Entry. The program, created by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) service in 2008, allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to receive expedited clearance upon arrival into the United States so you can clear customs/immigration within minutes instead of, sometimes, hours. Seriously, I can go from the plane to the curb in five minutes so it’s well worth the $100 for five years.
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However, one of the big pain points with the program is that it has gotten so popular that scheduling an interview to renew your membership could take months. And I know a lot of people, myself included, who would travel to different cities where appointments opened up.
Well, that might be a thing of the past or at least for the near future because the CBP “has launched a remote interview pilot for renewing Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) members. This pilot enables eligible TTP members to complete enrollment renewal interviews with a CBP Officer through video teleconferencing, while ensuring that the remote interview process maintains high security and privacy standards. Some renewing Global Entry members who are conditionally approved are eligible to participate in the pilot.”
What I love about Global Entry is that it only costs $100 for five years and includes TSA PreCheck, which is normally $85 for five years. So for an extra $15, you can speed through immigration when returning from international trips. What’s even better is that certain premium credit cards will cover your membership so make sure you pay for it using one of these cards.
If you travel to Canada often like me, then you will want to get NEXUS, since it includes both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, and only costs $50 for five years. The bad news is that you have to do an interview where there’s both American and Canadian agents working like Toronto or one of the border entry points. However, according to the CBP press release, remote interviews could be coming soon: “Renewing NEXUS, FAST and SENTRI members will be integrated into the pilot over the next several weeks through a phased approach.”
Keep in mind: “First-time TTP applicant are not yet eligible to participate.”
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To be eligible for the remote interview pilot, TTP members must:
- Be conditionally approved for a TTP renewal;
- Be at least 18 years of age;
- Have a photo on file with CBP that was taken (1) within the past 10 years, and (2) after the applicant was 14 years of age; and
- Have previously submitted fingerprints to CBP.
To schedule a remote interview, eligible applicants may log into their TTP dashboard and select the “Scheduling Your Remote Interview” link. CBP recommends that applicants verify their e-mail address of record by using the “Edit Profile” link prior to scheduling a remote interview. Doing so will ensure that the applicant receives appointment details and reminders.
CBP will use Zoom for government videoconferencing software to conduct the remote interviews. Applicants should ensure that their computer, tablet, or smartphone has a working microphone and camera, and that their device is capable of running the Zoom platform prior to scheduling their interview appointment.
Applicants who schedule remote interviews will be able to access a virtual waiting room up to 15 minutes prior to their scheduled interview time through their TTP dashboard or the CBP OneTM Mobile Application, available for free in the Apple App Store and Google Play. Interviews will take approximately 15 minutes. Applicants should be prepared to show the following documents during their remote interview:
- A valid passport. Applicants should bring all of their current passports to the interview so the information can be added to their file.
- Documents providing proof of residency. Such proof may include a driver’s license, mortgage statement, rental payment statement, or utility bill that features the applicant’s current home address.
- A permanent residence card (if applicable).
Here’s the official press release.
Sorry, but what this article says is simply not true. I spent over two hours yesterday trying to renew the NEXUS cards of my wife and myself and nothing worked. I live just a few miles from a Canada/USA Border Patrol office, where we got our original NEXUS cards, but they are not taking any live interview appointments. I tried setting up Zoom interviews, but their schedule was booked solid for the next two and one-half years. If we don’t have an interview in the next two years, the Border Patrol keeps our application fees and we have to start all over again.
Hi! This is only for Global Entry. NEXUS they say might happen later down the road
Hey Paul,
Feel your pain buddy. I’ve had NEXUS since it started and I’ve been conditionally approved for my second renewal since December 2019. Jumped through all the hoops for interviews with no success since then. I sign into my account and it will not let me select a virtual interview. Tells me I have to travel to New York, North Dakota or Washington State for an interview. My application will expire in March 2022 then I’ll have to re-apply. Like you I live a few miles from the Windsor/Sarnia border which is where it got my original, and first renewal cards.
What is CBP going to do when they can no longer blame COVID on their poor performance? Our tax dollars hard at work!
Anyone know the process to upgrade TTP to Global Entry when TTP is renewing.
there should be another govt agency to process out these trusted traveler documents. because CBP is really backed up processing these documents. Somes you might have to go to the next state to get an appointment.
I tried to be interviewed for Global Entry upon arrival at LAX but at 910 pm they had already closed. Now I’m waiting for an appointment many months in the future.
Just did my 5 min Global Entry Zoom interview…basic name/address questions and where have you traveled in last 5 years. They needed to see my passport. So Easy!!
Great to hear!
Cath D, was this for renewal of your Global Entry or initial interview? Trying to tie your information to the article….Thanks!
I’m in the process of renewing my Global Entry. The website says in-person or Zoom interviews are available, but I didn’t see any Zoom interview slots for 6 months (I gave up after looking 6 months out). I sent a message cbp.dhs.gov asking about this. The response I got said nothing about Zoom appointments, but just that I could have my interview on arrival back into the US. I don’t want to do this 1) because I’ll be traveling with my husband (who doesn’t need to renew his GE yet), and 2) if for some reason the interview office is closed, I’ll be back to ground zero. Can anyone tell me how to get a Zoom appointment sometime within the next 2 months. (I’m traveling internationally in early October.) Thank you.
I am also on the same page however I’ve just found out that ZOOM remotely interview slots will be open up and come up at that day when we log in TTP account to see the interview availabilities. Today I have login TTP to see remote interview so there are many slots all day long and next day tomorrow. That means 2 days in a row. So we need to go back to TTP account periodically. Then we will be able to make an appointment remotely! Hope this helps for you.
I have had the same experience. I looked for a Zoom interview and there was nothing and I went as far as the end of 2023.
Really? That shouldn’t happen