YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – International travelers looking to expedite clearance for reentry into the United States will have a chance to apply in person for the service.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Pittsburgh will host a Global Entry Enrollment program at the Williamson College of Business Administration on March 5 in partnership with the Export Assistance Network at Youngstown State University.
The program allows pre-approved, low-risk international travelers pre-clearance upon entering the U.S., said Mariah Hauser, international trade specialist at the Export Assistance Network.
The designation helps international travelers bypass long waiting lines at customs, Hauser said. “Instead of waiting in lines for two hours or so to get through, Global Entry makes it a lot simpler.”
Hauser said the Export Assistance Center had already formed a relationship with the Pittsburgh office, and the Pittsburgh CBP reached out to YSU to host an event for those interested in participating in the program. “They wanted to offer it to the business community in Youngstown,” she said.
Interviews must be conducted in person for those with pre-approved applications and would be scheduled between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. March 5.
On average, the approval process could take between six and 11 months to complete. However, those who participate in the enrollment event March 5 could have their information processed and receive clearance that same day.
“You can receive it on March 5 if you are approved,” Hauser said. “It cuts down a lot of the time. This is a huge benefit to people in our community.”
Eligibility requirements for the program can be found HERE.
The event is open to the public, but those looking to attend must first fill out an application by Feb. 21, Hauser said. Instructions on how to apply can be found HERE.
Once an application is filled out, contact Hauser at mahauser@ysu.edu with full name, date of birth and application ID to be placed on a list to receive a schedule and information for an interview.