How to Reschedule Your Global Entry Interview
Complete guide to changing your Global Entry appointment date, time, or location. What you can change, deadlines, fees, and alternatives when rescheduling isn't possible.
Can You Reschedule Global Entry Appointments?
Yes, you can reschedule your Global Entry interview, but there are important restrictions and deadlines. The process is straightforward but requires careful attention to timing and procedures.
Basic Rescheduling Rules
- Rescheduling allowed: You can change date, time, or location
- Deadline restrictions: Must reschedule before your appointment
- No-show consequences: Missing appointment affects future applications
- Fee implications: May require additional payment in some cases
- Application status: Must still be in "Interview Scheduled" status
How to Reschedule Your Appointment
Step 1: Log Into Your Account
- Visit CBP website: Go to CBP Trusted Traveler Programs
- Sign in: Use the email and password from your application
- Navigate to application: Find your Global Entry application
- Check status: Ensure it shows "Interview Scheduled"
- Access scheduling: Look for the reschedule option
Step 2: Cancel Current Appointment
- Find appointment details: Locate your scheduled interview
- Select cancel option: Choose "Cancel Interview" or similar
- Confirm cancellation: System will ask for confirmation
- Note cancellation number: Save any reference numbers provided
- Check email: CBP will send cancellation confirmation
Step 3: Schedule New Appointment
- Return to scheduling: Go back to appointment booking section
- Select new center: Choose preferred location (can be different)
- Choose date and time: Pick available slot
- Confirm booking: Complete the scheduling process
- Receive confirmation: New appointment details via email
Important Deadlines and Restrictions
When You Can Reschedule
- Anytime before appointment: Can cancel/reschedule up to the day before
- Same-day changes: Not allowed - must arrive or cancel in advance
- After appointment: Cannot reschedule - must reapply if you miss it
- Application expiration: Cannot reschedule if application expires
- Status changes: Cannot reschedule if conditionally approved
What You Can Change
- ✅ Date: Change to any available future date
- ✅ Time: Change to any available time slot
- ✅ Location: Change to any enrollment center
- ✅ Multiple changes: Can change date, time, and location simultaneously
- ✅ Future availability: Book as far out as slots are available
What You Cannot Change
- ❌ Personal information: Name, address, SSN (must reapply)
- ❌ Payment status: Cannot get refund by rescheduling
- ❌ Application fees: Additional fees may apply for changes
- ❌ Same-day: Cannot reschedule on the day of appointment
- ❌ Past dates: Cannot move appointment to earlier date if none available
Rescheduling Fees and Costs
Standard Fees
- No rescheduling fee: CBP doesn't charge for rescheduling itself
- Original fee applies: Your $100 processing fee remains valid
- Travel costs: You may incur new travel expenses
- Time investment: Administrative time to make changes
- Opportunity cost: May lose preferred time slots
Potential Additional Costs
- Travel changes: Flights, hotels, car rentals to new location
- Time off work: Rescheduling may require new time off
- Childcare costs: If bringing children, new arrangements needed
- Alternative transportation: Driving to different center
- Monitoring services: If you cancel a hard-to-get appointment
Common Rescheduling Scenarios
Scenario 1: Found a Better Appointment
- Situation: You found an earlier slot at a different center
- Process: Cancel current appointment, book the better one
- Considerations: Ensure new appointment is confirmed before canceling
- Best practice: Book new appointment first, then cancel old one
- Risk: Low - you improve your situation
Scenario 2: Schedule Conflict
- Situation: Work, travel, or personal conflict with current appointment
- Process: Cancel current, find next available slot
- Considerations: May have to wait longer for new appointment
- Best practice: Plan ahead - don't wait until last minute
- Risk: Medium - may get less desirable time slot
Scenario 3: Location Change Needed
- Situation: Moving, travel plans changed, or found closer center
- Process: Cancel current, book at preferred location
- Considerations: New location may have different availability
- Best practice: Research availability at new location first
- Risk: Low-medium depending on location popularity
Scenario 4: Emergency Situation
- Situation: Illness, family emergency, or unforeseen conflict
- Process: Cancel immediately, contact CBP if needed
- Considerations: May need to provide documentation
- Best practice: Cancel as soon as possible, explain situation
- Risk: High - may affect future applications if pattern develops
What Happens If You Miss Your Appointment?
Consequences of No-Shows
- Application cancellation: Your application is terminated
- Fee forfeiture: $100 processing fee is not refunded
- Reapplication required: Must submit new application
- Waiting period: May face additional scrutiny on reapplication
- Record notation: No-show recorded in your travel history
No-Show vs. Cancellation
| Action | Consequences | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Cancel in Advance | No penalty, keep fee | Reschedule immediately |
| No-Show (Miss Appointment) | Application terminated, fee lost | Reapply after waiting period |
| Late Cancellation | May be treated as no-show | Contact CBP to explain |
Special Circumstances and Exceptions
Medical Emergencies
- Documentation required: Doctor's note or medical records
- Contact CBP: Call customer service immediately
- Special consideration: May allow rescheduling without penalty
- Next steps: Follow CBP guidance for medical cases
- Prevention: Reschedule early if anticipating medical issues
Family or Personal Emergencies
- Documentation helpful: Supporting evidence when possible
- Early notification: Contact CBP as soon as situation arises
- Understanding approach: CBP considers legitimate emergencies
- No guarantees: Each case reviewed individually
- Best practice: Cancel immediately and explain situation
CBP System Issues
- Technical problems: Website outages or booking errors
- Documentation: Screenshots of system issues
- Contact CBP: Report technical difficulties
- Resolution: May allow special rescheduling
- Prevention: Book during stable system periods
Rescheduling Best Practices
Planning Ahead
- Monitor availability: Keep checking for better options
- Have backup plans: Know alternative dates/locations
- Book conservatively: Don't book too far in advance
- Check frequently: Availability changes constantly
- Act decisively: When you find a better option, move quickly
During the Process
- Book new first: Secure new appointment before canceling old
- Save confirmations: Keep all email confirmations
- Update calendar: Change personal calendar immediately
- Notify others: Update family, work, or travel companions
- Check status: Verify changes in your CBP account
If Problems Arise
- Contact CBP immediately: Don't wait if issues occur
- Document everything: Save emails, notes, reference numbers
- Be polite and clear: Explain situation calmly
- Escalate if needed: Ask for supervisor if initial contact fails
- Follow up: Confirm resolution in writing
Alternatives to Rescheduling
When Rescheduling Isn't Ideal
Keep Original Appointment
- Work around conflict: Adjust work/personal schedule
- Delegate responsibilities: Have someone cover for you
- Minimize impact: Plan for minimal disruption
- Long-term benefit: Remember the time savings long-term
Consider Alternatives
- Enrollment on Arrival: If you have international travel planned
- TSA PreCheck only: Faster security without full Global Entry
- Wait for better slot: Cancel and hope for improved availability
- Accept current slot: Sometimes the best option is to proceed
Success Stories and Lessons Learned
📅 Strategic Rescheduling Success
"I had an appointment 9 months out at LAX, but found one just 3 weeks away in Buffalo. I rescheduled successfully and saved 8 months of waiting. The key was booking the new appointment immediately before canceling the old one."
- Robert K., Los Angeles resident
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reschedule multiple times?
Yes, you can reschedule as many times as needed, as long as you cancel before your appointment and your application remains active. However, frequent rescheduling may be noted in your application history.
What if I cancel on the day of my appointment?
Cancellations on the day of your appointment are typically treated as no-shows, which can result in application termination. Always cancel well in advance if you can't make it.
Do I get my money back if I reschedule?
No, the $100 processing fee remains with your application. You only lose the fee if you miss your appointment (no-show) rather than canceling in advance.
Can I change from one enrollment center to another?
Yes, you can change to any available enrollment center during rescheduling. This is a good strategy if you find better availability at a different location.
What if the CBP website is down when I need to reschedule?
Contact CBP customer service immediately at 1-866-347-8371. Explain your situation and they may be able to assist with rescheduling over the phone in emergency situations.
⚠️ Critical Warning
Always cancel your appointment before the scheduled time, not after. No-shows result in application termination and loss of your $100 fee. If you can't make your appointment, cancel immediately and reschedule for the next available slot.
Final Thoughts on Rescheduling
Rescheduling your Global Entry interview is straightforward when done properly, but timing is critical. The key is to cancel before your appointment to avoid no-show consequences. While you can change dates, times, and locations, remember that your $100 fee stays with your application. Plan ahead, monitor for better opportunities, and act decisively when you find improvements. The goal is to get the best possible appointment while avoiding the costly mistake of missing your scheduled interview.