Global Entry for Green Card Holders and Permanent Residents

Short answer: Yes, green card holders (U.S. lawful permanent residents) can get Global Entry. You apply through the same Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) application as U.S. citizens, pay the same fee and complete the same interview. At the interview, bring your valid permanent resident card (I-551), your passport from your country of citizenship and your driver's license or state ID. Recent or frequent international travel does not disqualify you, but you must report it accurately and be ready to discuss it. Global Entry speeds up your arrival in the U.S.; it does not replace the green card you travel with.

For permanent residents the process is the same as for citizens, with a few extra points: your immigration status is part of the review, your green card must stay valid, and long stays abroad may come up at the interview. Naturalized U.S. citizens apply exactly like any other citizen.

Eligibility for green card holders

U.S. lawful permanent residents are eligible to apply for Global Entry. You need a valid green card and must meet CBP's other requirements, such as having no disqualifying criminal, customs or immigration history. See what disqualifies you from Global Entry.

Recent international travel does not by itself make you ineligible. CBP uses travel history for its background checks and risk assessment, and many approved applicants travel a lot. If you are not a permanent resident or a U.S. citizen, eligibility depends on your country of citizenship.

Applying as a permanent resident

You use the same online application on the official Trusted Traveler Programs site and pay the same $120 fee. The application asks for your permanent resident card details along with your passport, addresses, employment and travel history. Make sure every detail matches your documents exactly.

After CBP's review you get conditional approval and have 365 days to complete an interview, either at an enrollment center or through Enrollment on Arrival when you return from abroad. If your status seems stuck, see why your status still says pending review.

Reporting travel history accurately

The application asks for your travel history, such as countries visited. You must provide accurate information. Inconsistencies between your application and CBP's own records, such as entry and exit data, can cause delays or secondary review.

If you have traveled a lot, list the countries and approximate time frames the application asks for. Do not leave out countries because you think they might look bad. Omissions can cause more problems than disclosure, because CBP has access to entry and exit data and your application should line up with it.

What to expect at the interview

At the interview, the CBP officer may ask about:

• Your immigration status and how long you have been a permanent resident
• Your travel history: countries visited, purpose of travel, length of stays
• Your employment and residence in the U.S.
• Any gaps or inconsistencies in your application or documents

Answer truthfully and consistently with your application. Travel to certain regions may prompt more questions; that is normal and does not automatically mean denial. See common Global Entry interview questions.

Documents to bring

CBP's own notes for several enrollment centers state that lawful permanent residents must bring their permanent resident card (I-551). Green card holders typically need:

• Valid permanent resident card (I-551)
• Valid passport from your country of citizenship
• Valid driver's license or state-issued ID
• Proof of residency if the address on your license is not current
• Court documents for any past arrest, if that applies to you

Bring originals, and check your Conditional Approval Notification in your TTP account for the exact list CBP expects from you. See what to bring to your Global Entry interview.

Traveling with Global Entry as a green card holder

• Keep carrying your green card and passport. Global Entry speeds up the arrival process. It does not replace the documents you need to travel and to return as a permanent resident.
• Keep your green card valid. If your card is renewed or replaced, update your TTP profile. See updating your documents after approval.
• Long absences still matter. Global Entry does not change the rules about maintaining permanent residence. Extended time abroad can come up when you return.
• Use your KTN for TSA PreCheck. Add your Known Traveler Number to airline bookings. See activating TSA PreCheck with your KTN.

Naturalized citizens and becoming a citizen

Naturalized U.S. citizens are eligible on exactly the same terms as citizens by birth. You apply with your U.S. passport, and the officer may ask about your immigration history. If your name changed at naturalization, make sure your application matches your current documents and bring proof of the change. See updating Global Entry after a name change.

If you become a citizen after you join Global Entry, the citizenship and passport details in your TTP profile will be out of date. Check your TTP account for how to update them, and use TTP help if the fields cannot be edited.

NEXUS, SENTRI and TSA PreCheck

Permanent residents can also apply for the other Trusted Traveler Programs. NEXUS covers U.S. and Canada crossings and includes Global Entry benefits, and SENTRI covers the southern land border. TSA PreCheck is included with Global Entry. Compare them in NEXUS vs Global Entry and Global Entry vs SENTRI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can green card holders get Global Entry?

Yes. U.S. lawful permanent residents are eligible. You apply on the TTP site like a U.S. citizen and bring your green card and passport to the interview.

Will travel to a specific country hurt my application?

CBP does not publish a list of "bad" countries. Travel to some countries may lead to more questions or additional verification, but it does not automatically mean denial. Disclose all travel and answer truthfully at the interview.

I have long trips abroad. Is that a problem?

Long trips can be asked about, such as their purpose and your ties to the U.S. As long as you have kept your permanent resident status and report accurately, they are not automatically disqualifying. Answer honestly at the interview.

My green card is expiring soon. Should I renew before applying?

You need a valid green card to apply and to complete the interview. If your card could expire before you get an interview, renew first so your application and interview are done with a valid card. See applying while a passport renewal is pending for the same principle with passports.

Do naturalized citizens need special documents?

No special documents are required as a rule. You apply and interview with your U.S. passport like any citizen. Check your Conditional Approval Notification for anything CBP asks of you specifically.