About a year after Global Entry, the US speedy immigration system, was launched a small number of non-US nationals were able to respond to invites from airlines to join. I duly did and undertook the interview in the US, after the UK Police did a background check.
When I joined US Customs and Border Patrol used to pop a little sticker in your passport, mine is above, but you would not get a Global Entry card. US nationals do get the card.
Fast forward to this morning.
It is a long time since I came through Canada to the US, and I knew they had GE kiosks at many airports so gave myself about 90 minutes to clear this morning. BIG mistake! The lines were huge and I would certainly have missed my flight if I had not had Global Entry.
However, the Vancouver security staff are unfamiliar with non-US/Canada residents having Global Entry. First demanding to see my GE Card and then my sticker.
‘The sticker’ I though, oh goodness. The little bit of clear plastic gained me access.
This wasn’t a fluke as I was asked to show it again about 50 yards later in the security line! Luckily I knew where it was and could present it.
None the less with US Immigration only opening at 4.30am, the 5.15 departure time was a rush.
I got GE last year on British passport but never received a card or sticker. Just TSA pre on boarding passes.
I have GE but didn’t get a sticker or a card
They haven’t given out the sticker in years.
And Canada is bizarre about the priority security lane access.
I had the same experience in Vancouver with being asked for my NEXUS (expedited entry between USA/Canada for residents) repeatedly before the kiosk. I have entered the USA from Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, and Toronto and have never been asked to present the card other than at the kiosk, so Vancouver is a bit strange.
Thanks for sharing your real world non-US citizen experience of Global Entry.
Regards, Alastair Majury