Global Entry Instant Approval

[OldShooter]

A week or so ago I noticed that my Global Entry had expired last fall. I went on line and filled out their forms. The next day I got an email saying that there was a status change in my application. I logged in and found that it had been marked "renewed." One day!

Apparently they are all in on face recognition, too. They said my card could be used coming back from Canada in a car but otherwise I did not need it any more. They did not offer to send me another card with the new expiration date either.

 

[Focus]

I think the card was always only for driving across the border. I joined Global Entry at its inception and have never used the card at an airport.

 

[walkinwood]

Wonderful!
I was listening to someone on the radio yesterday talking about the US Digital Service and some of the wonderful work they're doing. They are the reason why you can now renew your passport fully online. I wonder if they're behind this improvement in Global Entry. The US Digital Service, was created after the healthcare.gov implementation fiasco.

 

[audreyh1]

I think we both did get new cards mailed after renewal. Renewed in 21 and 22.

We’ve only ever used them at Mexico border crossings when returning to the US. You still need passports to cross into Mexico or Canada. We also have passport cards.

 

[WWDog]

Welcome to planet Earth. I have lived here all my life. I didn't know living beings need entry approval to the planet.

 

[sleepysurf]

Thanks for this info! We just realized our Global Entry cards expired last month. Applied online for renewal 2 days ago, and were approved in 48 hours!

 

[cathy63]

I think the card was always only for driving across the border. I joined Global Entry at its inception and have never used the card at an airport.

I have used mine in two other places aside from the SENTRI and NEXUS lanes:
- Vancouver airport to bypass the line waiting for US customs and immigration
- Fort Lauderdale cruise port

It's been a few years since I was in either place, but at the time both of them had officials looking at the cards before they'd let you into the shorter lines.

 

[Go-NoGo]

I also had a very similar experience with my Global Entry renewal. It took less than 24 hours for them to approve it, and I got my new card delivered by USPS within 7 days.

 

[The Cosmic Avenger]

Welcome to planet Earth. I have lived here all my life. I didn't know living beings need entry approval to the planet.

 

[Argus]

My DW and I had to show our Global Entry cards when we were flying out of St Thomas, USVI (this past January)! We asked the agent why and his response was you always need to show your card. It was the first time either of us had to show our cards and we've done a lot of international travelling the last 12 months.

No harm no foul...

On a different note, I just renewed my passport online and it took less than a week to get it approved and a new passport mailed to me. Pleasant surprise.

 

[brett]

A week or so ago I noticed that my Global Entry had expired last fall. I went on line and filled out their forms. The next day I got an email saying that there was a status change in my application. I logged in and found that it had been marked "renewed." One day!

Apparently they are all in on face recognition, too. They said my card could be used coming back from Canada in a car but otherwise I did not need it any more. They did not offer to send me another card with the new expiration date either.

We both have Nexus Cards (Canada). Same thing happened to us. Renewed on line with US authorities. Very convenient. I would think that the approvers do a search on you to see if you have had any issues sine the expiring card was first issued.

 

[PaunchyPirate]

My DW and I had to show our Global Entry cards when we were flying out of St Thomas, USVI (this past January)! We asked the agent why and his response was you always need to show your card. It was the first time either of us had to show our cards and we've done a lot of international travelling the last 12 months.

No harm no foul...

On a different note, I just renewed my passport online and it took less than a week to get it approved and a new passport mailed to me. Pleasant surprise.

I would say that this agent has been improperly trained. See attachment. From the Global Entry website FAQ. Of course, contradicting a border control agent is taboo.

Global Entry Frequently Asked Questions

Securing America's Borders

www.cbp.gov

 

[audreyh1]

We’ve never had to show our cards at an airport to access the global entry line upon arrival. We’ve carried them for border crossings.

 

[OldShooter]

Just an update: Despite the fact that the card was not mentioned last month (OP) when I renewed, yesterday it came in the mail. It had to be activated online, a process hindered by really lousy instructions, but it's done. Now good for another five years.