Does Global Entry Ever Get Denied After the Interview? What Actually Causes It

You had your interview, everything seemed to go fine — and then your status didn’t change to approved. Here’s whether Global Entry can be denied after the interview and what actually causes it.

Yes — Global Entry Can Be Denied After the Interview

A lot of people assume that once they’ve sat for the Global Entry interview and the officer didn’t say “you’re denied,” they’re in the clear. That’s not how it works.

Conditional approval only means you passed the initial application and background check. The real decision often happens after the interview, when U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) does a final review. That review can still result in a denial.

So: yes, Global Entry can be denied after the interview. It’s not the norm for most applicants who had a straightforward interview, but it does happen, and the cause is usually something that shows up in that final step.

📌 Bottom line: “Conditionally approved” means you’re allowed to schedule and attend the interview. It does not mean you’re finally approved. Final approval (or denial) typically comes after CBP completes its post-interview review.

What “Conditionally Approved” Really Means

Understanding the two-stage process makes post-interview denials less surprising.

Stage 1 — Conditional approval: Your application and initial checks look good. You can book and attend an interview. No guarantee of final approval.
Stage 2 — Final review: After the interview, CBP reviews the full package again: application, documents, interview notes, and any additional checks. Only then do they activate your membership or send a denial.

So the interview isn’t the last step — it’s an input into the final decision. Denial after the interview means something in that final review didn’t meet CBP’s standards.

What Actually Causes Denial After the Interview

These are the kinds of things that typically lead to a denial at the final review stage.

1. Discrepancies Between Your Application and the Interview

If what you said or showed at the interview doesn’t match your application (travel history, employment, addresses, criminal history, etc.), CBP may deny. Inconsistencies can be treated as a credibility or accuracy problem even if you didn’t mean to mislead.

2. Criminal or Immigration Issues That Surface in Final Review

Sometimes additional checks or updated records turn up after the interview: a new arrest, an old charge that wasn’t fully disclosed, or an immigration issue. If that information disqualifies you under program rules, CBP will deny at final review.

3. Incomplete or Inconsistent Documentation

If the officer needed more documents (e.g., court disposition, proof of status) and you didn’t provide them, or what you provided was inconsistent with your answers, final review can result in denial.

4. Failure to Disclose Something Material

Omitting or understating something that CBP later finds (criminal record, immigration history, customs violations, etc.) is a common reason for denial. The issue might have come up in the interview or in follow-up checks.

5. Negative Recommendation from the Interviewing Officer

The officer doesn’t make the final decision alone, but their notes and recommendation are part of the file. Concerns about credibility, demeanor, or eligibility can lead to a denial in final review.

6. Administrative or Eligibility Issues

Eligibility rules (e.g., citizenship, age, admissibility) are confirmed in final review. If something in your record or status doesn’t meet the requirements, CBP will deny even after a seemingly smooth interview.

⚠️ You’ll Get a Reason (Usually)

Most post-interview denials come with a letter or portal message explaining the reason. If you’re denied, read that carefully — it tells you what actually caused it and often what you’d need to address to reapply later.

How Long Does Final Review Take?

Many applicants see approval within 24–72 hours of the interview. Some wait a few days to a couple of weeks. If CBP is reviewing additional information or there are flags, it can take longer. Check your Trusted Traveler Program account for status; that’s where approval or denial will show.

What to Do If You’re Denied After the Interview

Read the denial notice: It usually states the reason and any waiting period before you can reapply.
Consider reconsideration: If you believe the decision was wrong or you have new evidence, CBP may have a process to request reconsideration. Follow the instructions in the denial letter or on the Trusted Traveler Program site.
Respect waiting periods: Denial letters often say you cannot reapply for a certain period (e.g., one year). Reapplying before that can result in another denial.
Address the cause before reapplying: If the reason was criminal, immigration, or disclosure-related, resolve or document it before submitting a new application.

For a broader look at denial reasons and options, see Why Did My Global Entry Application Get Denied?

💡 Before Your Interview

To reduce the chance of a post-interview denial: make sure your application is accurate and complete, bring any documents the notice asks for, answer interview questions honestly and consistently with your application, and disclose anything that might be relevant (criminal, immigration, customs). Consistency and honesty matter at final review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Global Entry be denied after the interview?

Yes. Global Entry can be denied after your interview. Conditional approval only means you passed the initial background check. CBP performs a final review after the interview, and that review can result in denial if discrepancies, new information, or eligibility concerns are found.

What causes Global Entry to be denied after the interview?

Common causes include: discrepancies between your application and what you said or presented at the interview; criminal or immigration issues that surface during final review; incomplete or inconsistent documentation; failure to disclose something material; or a negative recommendation from the interviewing officer. CBP does a final check before activating your membership.

How long does final review take after the Global Entry interview?

Most applicants see approval within 24–72 hours. In some cases final review can take a few days to a few weeks. If there are flags or missing information, it can take longer. Check your Trusted Traveler Program account for status updates.

What can I do if Global Entry is denied after my interview?

You will receive a denial letter with the reason. You can request reconsideration through CBP if you believe the decision was in error or you have new evidence. There may be a waiting period before you can reapply. See the denial letter and CBP’s Trusted Traveler Program pages for exact steps and deadlines.

Final Thoughts

Global Entry can be denied after the interview because the real decision happens in CBP’s final review, not the moment you leave the enrollment center. Knowing that — and knowing the main causes (discrepancies, criminal/immigration issues, documentation, disclosure, officer recommendation) — helps you prepare honestly and know what to do if you ever see a post-interview denial.

If you’re still in the “conditionally approved” stage and need to land an interview slot, we can help you get alerts when appointments open up. If you’ve been denied and want to reapply later, use the denial reason as your roadmap for what to fix before trying again.

🚀 Need an Interview Slot? Get Alerts When Appointments Open

Conditionally approved but no appointment? GE Finder monitors 200+ centers and alerts you as soon as slots become available — so you can book before they’re gone.

Get 90-Day Appointment Alerts →