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Last month, my husband got an email from the Department of Homeland Security. It stated that his Global Entry would expire soon, and it was time to renew.
The email had a caveat at the bottom that said:
“Due to a significant increase in application volume, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is extending the grace period from 6 months to 1 year for any Trusted Traveler member who has a valid membership and who has submitted a renewal application. This means you will continue to receive full benefits for 1 year while U.S. Customs and Border Protection is finalizing your renewal application.”
I had heard of a large backlog of renewal applications a few months ago, and new applications are currently not being accepted. Assuming that his application would take a long time to process, he did not rush to submit his renewal. In fact, he waited exactly a month to finally get around to submitting the online renewal application.
But, we were pleasantly surprised by the quick turnaround. He applied online on May 16 (Saturday). The next day, he received an email that his renewal was approved. He received his new Global Entry card 5 days later. Wow!
I’m not sure why his renewal was processed so quickly while others continue to wait for months. On his application, he had to indicate countries he has visited in the last 5 years outside of Canada and Mexico. He has visited a handful of countries in the Caribbean and Europe as well as Australia and New Zealand.
Mine is due to expire in a few months. I hope the process is just as painless for me!
My son turns 13 later this year, and we plan on applying for him as soon as new applications are accepted. Once he turns 13, he can no longer go through TSA PreCheck with us unless he has his own membership.
Have you applied for Global Entry renewal recently? Did you have a quick turnaround, or are you still waiting?
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Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
I renewed for my family of four. My son’s was approved the next day and the rest of us are still waiting. Who knows?
@Erin Interesting! I hope the rest of you get yours quickly.
I was amazed. I submitted my renewal application & fee on May 20th, and was approved on May 25 until 2025. I expected a year-long backlog!
@Ric Yay!
I applied for renewal in February and then my husband a couple of weeks later. His was turned around pretty much instantly and I am still waiting.
@Kelly I’m glad your husband got his quickly, but what a bummer that you’re still waiting. That will probably be my luck too. 🙂
I applied for renewal in September and am still waiting. Furthermore my kids were only conditionally approved and had to have another interview (we were able to do it at immigration on arrival).
So your husband was very lucky!
@Audrey That’s crazy! I wonder if there are certain countries that flag additional scrutiny, or if it’s just luck as to what “lane” the application goes to. My oldest son only had to do one interview, but that was a few years ago. I hope you get it soon!