What to Do If You Miss Your Global Entry Interview

What to Do If You Miss Your Global Entry Interview

Recovery steps and consequences explained.

Missing a Global Entry interview appointment is a serious issue that can terminate your application and require you to start over completely. Understanding what constitutes a "miss," the consequences, and your recovery options is crucial for protecting your investment and getting back on track with Global Entry.

What Constitutes Missing Your Interview

CBP has clear definitions of what counts as missing or "no-showing" for an interview:

No-Show Definitions

• Failure to Appear: Not showing up at the scheduled time and place
• Late Arrival: Arriving after your scheduled time (no grace period)
• Wrong Location: Going to the wrong enrollment center
• Incomplete Attendance: Starting but not completing the interview

What Doesn't Count as Missing

• Proper Rescheduling: Officially changing your appointment through CBP
• Late but Accepted: Officer allows you to continue if they haven't moved on
• Center Closure: Weather or emergency closures (rare)
• Medical Emergency: Documented emergencies (requires appeal)

Immediate Consequences of Missing Interview

The consequences of missing your Global Entry interview are severe and immediate:

Application Termination

• Complete Cancellation: Your entire application is terminated
• Status Reset: All progress is lost
• No Appeal Period: Immediate termination, no waiting period
• Record Notation: May be noted in your CBP record

Practical Impacts

• Time Lost: All processing time from submission to interview is wasted
• Reapply from Scratch: Must submit entirely new application
• New Background Check: Full security clearance process restarts
• Appointment Hunting: New wait times for interview scheduling

What Happens to Your Application

When you miss your interview, CBP terminates your application through a specific process:

Termination Process

1. No-Show Recorded: Enrollment center reports the missed appointment
2. Application Flagged: CBP systems mark application as terminated
3. Status Updated: Portal shows "Interview Missed" or similar
4. Notification Sent: Email or letter confirming termination

Application Status Changes

• From "Interview Scheduled": Changes to "Application Terminated"
• Portal Access: Limited access to terminated application
• Historical Record: Termination noted in CBP systems
• Future Applications: May affect processing of subsequent applications

Fee Forfeiture and Financial Impact

Missing your interview results in complete loss of your application fee:

Fee Forfeiture Rules

• $100 Processing Fee: Completely forfeited, no refunds
• No Partial Refunds: Even if processing was far along
• No Exceptions: Fee forfeiture applies to all no-shows
• New Fee Required: Must pay $100 again for reapplication

Additional Costs

• Travel Expenses: Wasted travel costs to enrollment center
• Time Investment: Lost time spent on application and preparation
• Rescheduling Costs: If applicable for future attempts
• Alternative Programs: Costs of backup travel options used

Can You Appeal a Missed Interview?

While rare, appeals for missed interviews are possible under specific circumstances:

Appeal Eligibility

• Documented Emergencies: Medical emergencies with proof
• CBP Errors: Mistakes by CBP (wrong date, location, etc.)
• Technical Issues: System errors or miscommunications
• Extenuating Circumstances: Severe weather, accidents, etc.

Appeal Process

1. Gather Documentation: Collect proof of your circumstances
2. Contact CBP: Call or submit written appeal within 30 days
3. Provide Details: Explain what happened and why you missed
4. Wait for Decision: CBP reviews appeal (2-4 weeks)

Appeal Success Rates

• Low Success Rate: Most no-show appeals are denied
• Strong Documentation: Medical emergencies have best chance
• CBP Error Cases: Higher success when CBP made mistake
• Time Sensitive: Must appeal within 30 days

Steps to Recover After Missing Interview

If you miss your interview, systematic recovery is your best path forward:

Immediate Actions

1. Confirm Termination: Check application status online
2. Document Everything: Keep records of all communications
3. Assess Appeal Options: Determine if you qualify for appeal
4. Accept Reality: Prepare for reapplication process

Short-Term Recovery

• Appeal if Applicable: Submit appeal within 30 days if you qualify
• Prepare for Reapplication: Review and improve your application
• Choose Better Center: Select center with shorter wait times
• Plan Travel Carefully: Ensure you can attend next interview

Long-Term Prevention

• Build in Buffers: Schedule interviews with extra time
• Use Reminders: Set multiple appointment reminders
• Have Backup Plans: Know rescheduling procedures
• Professional Monitoring: Use services for appointment availability

Reapplication Process After Termination

Reapplying after termination requires starting completely over:

Reapplication Steps

1. Wait Required Period: Some centers require waiting before reapplying
2. Submit New Application: Complete fresh application online
3. Pay New Fee: Submit $100 processing fee again
4. New Background Check: Full security clearance process
5. Schedule New Interview: Find new appointment availability

Reapplication Considerations

• Improved Application: Address any previous issues
• Better Center Choice: Select center with shorter wait times
• Stronger Documentation: Provide all required supporting materials
• Realistic Timeline: Expect similar or longer wait times

How to Prevent Missing Interviews

Prevention is much easier than recovery. Here are proven strategies:

Appointment Management

• Set Multiple Reminders: Calendar alerts, phone reminders, email notifications
• Confirm Details: Double-check date, time, and location
• Arrive Early: Plan to arrive 30-60 minutes early
• Know the Process: Research enrollment center procedures

Contingency Planning

• Have Backup Transportation: Multiple ways to reach the center
• Weather Preparedness: Monitor weather forecasts
• Emergency Contacts: Know who to contact if issues arise
• Rescheduling Ready: Know how to change appointment if needed

Risk Mitigation

• Build in Buffer Time: Schedule important events around interview
• Avoid Peak Times: Schedule interviews during low-stress periods
• Professional Monitoring: Use services to track appointment availability
• Test Run: Visit enrollment center location in advance

Alternative Options After Termination

When reapplying isn't immediately feasible, consider alternatives:

Other Trusted Traveler Programs

• TSA PreCheck: Faster approval, available at more locations
• NEXUS: Good for Canada travel, often faster processing
• SENTRI: For frequent Mexico travelers
• Enrollment on Arrival: Apply upon return from international travel

Border Center Options

• Faster Processing: Many border centers have 2-4 week wait times
• Alternative Locations: Different enrollment centers may have availability
• Professional Services: Use monitoring services for faster appointments

Temporary Solutions

• Commercial Expedited Services: Private expedited passport services
• Alternative Travel Planning: Adjust travel plans around approval timeline
• Domestic Focus: Use TSA PreCheck for domestic travel while waiting

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I miss my scheduled Global Entry interview?

Missing an interview results in application termination and forfeiture of the $100 fee. You'll need to reapply from scratch with a new application and fee.

Can I appeal if I miss my Global Entry interview due to an emergency?

You can appeal a missed interview if you have documented proof of a legitimate emergency. However, most no-show appeals are denied unless CBP made an error.

How long do I have to wait before reapplying after missing an interview?

You can reapply immediately after termination, though some enrollment centers may require a waiting period. Check specific center policies.

Do I get my $100 fee back if I miss my interview?

No, the $100 processing fee is completely forfeited when you miss your interview. You must pay the full fee again for reapplication.

What should I do if I realize I can't make my Global Entry interview?

Reschedule immediately through the official Global Entry website or app. Never risk a no-show - rescheduling preserves your application and fee.

Conclusion

Missing a Global Entry interview is a serious setback that terminates your application and forfeits your fee, requiring you to start completely over. While appeals are possible in rare circumstances, prevention through careful planning and rescheduling is always the better approach.

The key lesson is clear: always reschedule early if you can't attend, and never risk a no-show. The consequences are severe, but with proper planning and the strategies outlined above, you can minimize the risk and protect your Global Entry investment.