What Happens If You Don't Schedule a Global Entry Interview Within 365 Days?

Short answer: If you do not schedule and complete a Global Entry interview within 365 days of receiving conditional approval, your application expires. CBP closes the application, and the $100 fee is not refunded. You must submit a new application and pay the fee again to pursue Global Entry.

The 365-day rule is strict. There is no automatic extension for travel, work, or lack of available appointments. Planning ahead—and using strategies like appointment monitoring or Enrollment on Arrival—helps you complete your interview before the deadline.

Why CBP Uses a 365-Day Window

U.S. Customs and Border Protection gives you one year from the date of conditional approval to complete your in-person interview. The rule exists to keep background checks and applicant information current. After 365 days, CBP treats the conditional approval as stale and closes the application.

What Actually Expires

When the 365 days pass without a completed interview:

• Your conditional approval is void. You can no longer book an interview under that application.
• Your application is closed. The Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) portal will reflect that the application is no longer active.
• You cannot "reactivate" it. There is no process to extend or reopen the same application. You must start over.

Fee and Refund Policy

The $100 application fee is non-refundable if your conditional approval expires because you did not complete an interview. CBP does not grant refunds for expired applications. If you reapply, you pay the full fee again.

What to Do Before Your Approval Expires

If you still have time left on your conditional approval:

1. Check your approval date. Log into the TTP portal and note exactly when your conditional approval was granted. Count 365 days from that date.
2. Expand your search. If your local center has no availability, check other enrollment centers—including border and lower-demand locations—where you might get an earlier slot.
3. Use appointment alerts. Services like GE Finder monitor the scheduler 24/7 and notify you when slots open at your chosen centers, so you can book as soon as something appears.
4. Consider Enrollment on Arrival. If you have an international trip planned, Enrollment on Arrival (EOA) lets you complete your interview when you return through a participating airport—no advance appointment needed.

If You've Already Missed the Deadline

If your 365 days have passed:

• You must submit a new application at the official Trusted Traveler Programs site.
• You will pay the $100 fee again.
• You will go through the same process: application, background check, conditional approval, then scheduling an interview within the new 365-day window.

There is no appeal or waiver for an expired conditional approval. Starting fresh is the only path forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an extension if I couldn't find an appointment?

No. CBP does not grant extensions for lack of availability. That’s why many applicants use cancellation monitoring or alert services to secure a slot before the year is up.

Does the 365 days include the day I was approved?

Yes. The clock starts on the date your conditional approval is issued. Plan to complete your interview before that date one year later.

If I had an appointment but missed it, does my approval still expire in 365 days?

Yes. The 365-day window is from conditional approval, not from a missed appointment. If you miss your interview, you must reschedule and complete the interview before the original approval expires.