Short answer: Yes, but it’s not guaranteed. People who get an interview in under a week usually do one or more of: (1) catch a cancellation—slots open when someone cancels and are taken in seconds, so you need to be notified immediately (e.g., via an appointment alert service) and book fast; (2) monitor multiple centers—including less busy ones where openings appear sooner; (3) use Enrollment on Arrival (EOA)—if you’re already conditionally approved and returning from an international flight, you can complete your interview at the airport when you land (no pre-booked slot needed). There’s no “rush” button—fast results come from catching cancellations or using EOA. See How Global Entry Appointment Cancellations Actually Work, What Is Global Entry Enrollment on Arrival?, and Using Automation to Find Global Entry Appointments.
How “Under 7 Days” Usually Happens
At busy centers, the next available slot on the scheduler is often months out. The only way to get something sooner is to grab a cancellation or use EOA. Cancellations appear at random times; if you’re not watching the scheduler (or not getting alerts), you’ll miss them. People who get an interview in days typically: signed up for an appointment alert service (e.g., GE Finder), got an email when a slot opened, and booked immediately; or had an international return and did EOA at the airport. There’s no secret—it’s speed + monitoring or EOA.
What Increases Your Chance
- Use appointment alerts. A service that monitors 24/7 and notifies you the moment a slot opens gives you a shot at cancellations you’d otherwise miss. See Get Started.
- Monitor 2–3 centers. If you can travel, add less busy centers—openings there can appear in days or weeks. See How to Track Multiple Enrollment Centers at Once.
- Act fast when you get an alert. Slots are taken in seconds. Have your TTP account open and book as soon as you see the notification.
- Use EOA if you have an international return. If you’re conditionally approved and landing at an airport that offers EOA, you can complete your interview when you land—no center appointment needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really possible to get Global Entry appointments in under a week?
Yes. It happens when applicants catch a cancellation (often via appointment alerts) and book immediately, or when they use Enrollment on Arrival on an international return. It’s not guaranteed—it depends on cancellations and how fast you act.
Do I need to pay for a service to get an appointment in under 7 days?
Not required—you could get lucky checking manually or use EOA. But cancellation slots are taken in seconds; most people who get an interview in days use an alert service so they’re notified the moment something opens.
✅ Key Takeaway
Getting an interview in under a week is possible by catching cancellations (with alerts + fast booking) or using Enrollment on Arrival. No guarantee—but the right strategy increases your chance.
Final Thoughts
Fast Global Entry approvals demonstrate that strategic approaches can dramatically reduce wait times for motivated applicants.