In order to assist the Taiwanese-American community in Southern California to apply for the U.S. Global Entry program more conveniently, the Taiwanese American Chamber of Commerce in Los Angeles (TACCLA) has collaborated with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) this year. They have invited CBP interviewers to visit the chamber’s office in person to provide exclusive Global Entry interview services, allowing members to complete the interview process in San Gabriel without having to queue at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or travel to Ontario International Airport (ONT).
President of the Taiwanese American Chamber of Commerce in Los Angeles, James Chien, stated that this service is available to board members, permanent members, and annual members of the chamber. Those who have completed the CBP Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) online application and obtained “Conditional Approval” can apply to the chamber’s events team for an exclusive interview code to schedule an appointment for the TACCLA exclusive interview session.
The interviews will be held on Thursday, July 9th, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Taiwanese American Chamber of Commerce office in Los Angeles. James Chien also reminded members that the deadline for online application for CBP’s “Global Entry” program is June 19th (Friday), and interested applicants should complete the process on time.
This exclusive interview service operates on a quota management system and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. James Chien encourages eligible members to sign up promptly. For any questions, members can inquire through the chamber’s Facebook fan page via private message.
“Global Entry” is a U.S. government program for expedited customs clearance. Apart from expediting the U.S. entry process, it includes the TSA PreCheck feature, which can reduce airport security screening time, especially suitable for frequent travelers between Taiwan and the U.S., business travelers, and international travelers.
The first step for applicants holding a Taiwanese passport is to apply for a “Police Criminal Record Certificate” from the Taiwanese police authorities; for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or those with dual citizenship, they can proceed to the next step directly.
The second step is to create an account in the TTP system, complete the online application for “Global Entry,” and pay a $120 application fee.
The third step is to wait for CBP’s review. Upon receiving Conditional Approval, applicants should notify the chamber’s events team to obtain an exclusive interview session code.
The fourth step is to follow the instructions to make a reservation for the “TACCLA Los Angeles Taiwanese American Chamber of Commerce office” exclusive session.
The fifth step is to attend the interview on the designated date. CBP will inform the final approval outcome after the interview; upon passing, the Global Entry qualification will officially take effect and needs renewal every five years.
Additionally, on the interview day, applicants must bring a valid passport, proof of residential address, and relevant identification documents; for permanent residents, they also need to bring a valid Permanent Resident Card (green card or I-551). ◇