Short answer: Families often get conditionally approved at different times because each person has a separate application and CBP processes them individually. You have a few options: (1) each person schedules their own interview when they get conditional approval (you may end up with different dates or centers); (2) wait until everyone is conditionally approved and then try to book back-to-back or same-day slots at the same center (hard at busy centers, easier at lower-demand centers); or (3) use Enrollment on Arrival (EOA) when returning from an international trip—everyone who is conditionally approved can complete the interview at the same time when you clear customs. There is no "family application"—each person must have their own application, pay the fee, and complete their own interview. For more on families and kids, see Global Entry Guide for Families With Kids and Can Children Use Global Entry With Parents?
Applying at different times is normal. The key is coordinating schedules and using strategies (multiple centers, EOA) so everyone can complete their interview before their 365-day conditional approval window expires.
In this guide
Why Families Get Approved at Different Times
Each family member has a separate Global Entry application. CBP reviews each application on its own timeline—one person may get conditional approval in a few weeks, another in a few months. There is no "family" application or single approval. So it's common for one parent to be conditionally approved first, then a child, then the other parent, etc. Each person then has their own 365-day window to complete an interview from their approval date.
Option 1: Try for Same-Day or Back-to-Back Slots
If you want to do interviews together:
- Wait until everyone (or as many as possible) is conditionally approved. Then look for multiple slots on the same day at the same center.
- Use a lower-demand center where same-day or back-to-back slots are more likely. At busy centers, finding two or more slots on the same day can be very hard. See Why Border Enrollment Centers Are Faster for Global Entry.
- Use appointment alerts for that center (or 2–3 centers). When one slot opens, check immediately for another on the same day; sometimes multiple slots open in the same block. See Using Automation to Find Global Entry Appointments.
There is no guarantee you'll get same-day slots—it depends on availability. Having a backup (separate appointments or EOA) is wise.
Option 2: Each Person Schedules Separately
Each family member can schedule their own interview as soon as they're conditionally approved. You may end up with different dates or even different centers. That's allowed—each person completes their interview whenever and wherever they can get a slot. The downside is multiple trips to an enrollment center (or multiple locations) if you were hoping to do everything in one day. The upside is everyone moves forward without waiting for the slowest approval. Use multiple centers and alerts so each person can grab a slot as soon as it appears.
Option 3: Enrollment on Arrival Together
Enrollment on Arrival (EOA) is often the easiest way for a family to do interviews "together." When you return from an international flight at a participating airport, everyone who is conditionally approved can go through the EOA line and complete their interview at the same time. You don't schedule in advance—you just clear customs together. So if you have an international trip planned, getting everyone conditionally approved before the trip and then using EOA on return can mean one shared interview experience. See How to Combine Enrollment on Arrival with Regular Scheduling.
When Kids Are Involved
Children must have their own application and fee. They cannot use Global Entry with a parent's membership without their own approval. For how kids use Global Entry with parents once approved, see Can Children Use Global Entry With Parents? For the full family process, see Global Entry Guide for Families With Kids. If one child is approved before another (or before a parent), that child can schedule their interview separately, or you can try for same-day slots or EOA when everyone who is approved travels together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we all go to one interview appointment together?
Each person needs their own appointment slot. You can try to book back-to-back or same-day slots at the same center so you're there together, but each person must have a reserved time. EOA is the only scenario where the whole family (everyone who is conditionally approved) can complete the process in one go at the same time.
What if one person's approval is about to expire?
That person should schedule and complete their interview as soon as possible—at any center they can reach. Don't wait for others if your 365-day window is closing. See What Happens If You Don't Schedule a Global Entry Interview Within 365 Days?
Do we all need to use the same enrollment center?
No. Each person can complete their interview at any U.S. enrollment center. You can coordinate to use the same center and same day if you find multiple slots, but it's not required.
✅ Key Takeaway
Families get conditionally approved at different times because each person has a separate application. You can schedule separately, try for same-day slots at one center (easier at lower-demand centers), or use Enrollment on Arrival together on an international return. Use alerts and multiple centers so everyone can get a slot before their 365-day window expires.