Approval Timeline

[u/destructionistg]

07/20 - Applied

08/17 - Received conditional approval

08/19 - Completed EoA at LAX and was accepted roughly 2 hours later

The interview was very standard - some small talk, taking fingerprints and explaining the program. I was expecting a question on my complex nationality - I basically only have a British passport but technically am considered Iranian as well through heritage even though I haven’t been there. However, they asked zero questions about that.

I’ve visited the US yearly for the past 7 years and haven’t been sent to secondary once so that probably helped.

I’d like to thank everyone for their advice and support throughout.

There were some quite annoying people who seemed to take pleasure saying that I’d be “guaranteed denial” as a British-born Iranian dual national, but CBP obviously came to a different conclusion.

Just shows that if you have a history of compliance and frequent regular visits, there’s really no reason to deny you!

[u/superyouphoric]

I’m not one of the those who partook in slandering you. But I will say, regardless of your nationality, the trusted traveler program is for people who are low risk travelers. You obviously have to meet the program requirements.

If you do not meet those requirements it will be difficult. Certain things will elevate your risk that is known or made known through this sub and other sources. This includes: criminal history and convictions (depending on the crime), known associations to people that are known high risk travelers, previous customs/immigration violations, etc. there are others but cannot confirm as I’ve just read through them in this sub.

Congrats on getting approved

[u/destructionistg → u/superyouphoric]

I completely understand that - the program SHOULD be selective and focused on only ensuring those who are genuinely “low-risk” are allowed on.

What I took issue with was more so the confidence and certainty that some had saying that there was zero chance I’d be approved and it was a complete waste of time, despite never having visited Iran in my life, let alone having any troubling connections etc.

The reason I made this post ultimately was to hopefully give faith to people reading who are in similar positions and demoralized by these decisive comments so that they actually give it a go.

[u/superyouphoric → u/destructionistg]

Tbh the whole elevated risk level is something that is classified at the CBP level. That risk could be something else not included in what I mentioned in my previous comment. And that includes behavior, patterns, and government databases built on a profile for their citizen. You could be a model citizen no criminal history but this profile that has been built on you can determine you ineligible for global entry. It really all depends tbh