You fly back from India after a long trip, and the passport line snakes around the hall while Global Entry members walk past. Can you be one of them on an H-1B? And what about TSA PreCheck?
As of November 2, 2026, here is what CBP and TSA say.
- Global Entry is open to US citizens, lawful permanent residents and citizens of listed countries, including India.
- The Global Entry application fee is $120 and non-refundable.
- CBP says vetting by the Government of India may take 6 months to 2 years.
- Indian applicants complete India's part through the Passport Seva portal.
- TSA PreCheck alone is only open to US citizens, US nationals and lawful permanent residents.
- Global Entry members also get TSA PreCheck for domestic travel.
Who can get Global Entry?
Three groups. CBP says applicants must "be a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States or be a citizen of one of the following countries," and its list includes "Citizens of India" (CBP, Eligibility for Global Entry).
| You are | Global Entry | TSA PreCheck on its own |
|---|---|---|
| Green card holder (any citizenship) | Eligible | Eligible |
| Indian citizen on H-1B, H-4, L-1 or O-1 | Eligible through the India arrangement | Not eligible, but included with Global Entry |
| Citizen of a country not on CBP's list, on a visa | Not eligible | Not eligible |
So your visa type doesn't make you eligible. Your citizenship or green card does. Green card holders still need to watch the length of trips abroad, which our guide to maintaining permanent residence explains.
How does it work for Indian citizens?
Through India's vetting. CBP says Indian citizens apply through its Trusted Traveler Programs website, then "follow the instructions provided in the Passport Seva Portal" to complete India's background process (CBP, Global Entry for Indian Citizens).
The wait is long. "At this time, vetting by the Government of India may take from 6 months to 2 years to complete and as a result, the Global Entry membership approval may be delayed by up to 2 years." CBP also advises that "Indian citizens not currently residing in India should wait to submit their GE application prior to their next trip to India to prevent further processing delays."
Once conditionally approved, you can interview at an enrollment center or use "the Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) option that is available when entering the U.S. from abroad." Bring "your passport and an official photo ID that shows your current residence address."
What does it cost and how long does it last?
CBP's eligibility page says applicants "pay a $120 non-refundable application fee." Membership "remains valid until your fifth birthday after the approval date, and must be renewed every five years thereafter," and renewals "may be submitted up to 364 days prior to the membership expiration date" (CBP, Global Entry for Indian Citizens).
A slow approval doesn't shorten the membership. "If approved, members will receive a full 5-year membership which takes effect on the day the membership is approved."
What about TSA PreCheck?
On its own, it's only for citizens and green card holders. TSA says "the TSA PreCheck® Application Program is only open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents," and that "Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI allow some foreign citizens to apply" (TSA, TSA PreCheck FAQ).
Global Entry covers both. CBP says that "once enrolled in Global Entry, you will also be eligible for TSA PreCheck® while traveling domestically." So for an Indian citizen on H-1B, Global Entry is the route to PreCheck. For flying without PreCheck, our guide to REAL ID on H-1B, H-4 or an EAD covers which IDs TSA accepts.
What do visa holders have to keep updated?
Your visa information. CBP says "Global Entry members who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. lawful permanent residents are required to maintain current visa information with CBP," and that members who "obtain a new visa or petition for a work visa must notify CBP of the change in-person at a Global Entry enrollment center" (CBP, Global Entry International Arrangements).
The reason is practical. "If the visa information is incomplete or not properly updated with CBP, the Global Entry kiosk may incorrectly calculate the member's Class of admission and admission date." An incorrect admission record can affect your I-94, so check your I-94 after each entry. Our guide to an expired visa with a valid I-94 explains why that record matters more than the visa stamp. Our guide to H-1B visa stamping covers getting the new visa itself. Our guide to a US visa in an old passport covers traveling with two passports.
Who can be turned down?
CBP lists reasons, including if you "have been convicted of any criminal offense or have pending criminal charges," "have been found in violation of any customs, immigration or agriculture regulations or laws in any country," or "cannot satisfy CBP of your low-risk status" (CBP, Eligibility for Global Entry). A past overstay or status problem is worth discussing with an attorney before applying.
What this means for you
- Green card holders can apply for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
- Indian citizens on visas can get Global Entry through India's vetting.
- Expect India's background check to take months, possibly up to 2 years.
- Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck on domestic flights.
- Update CBP in person when you get a new visa.
Where to start
Faster lines are nice. A green card that ends visa stamping is better. Our free evaluation at /evaluate/ checks whether EB-1A or the NIW fits your profile, and Frank, our AI assistant at /frank, helps you build the evidence. Petitions are reviewed and filed by our partner law firm, Lai & Turner.
Sources
All checked November 2, 2026.
- CBP, Eligibility for Global Entry (last modified October 27, 2026). Who can apply; $120 fee; ineligibility.
- CBP, Global Entry for Indian Citizens. India vetting; Passport Seva; renewal; PreCheck.
- CBP, Global Entry International Arrangements. Updating visa information.
- TSA, TSA PreCheck FAQ. PreCheck eligibility.
Frequently asked questions
Can H-1B visa holders get Global Entry?
Not because of the visa, but possibly because of citizenship. CBP opens Global Entry to US citizens, lawful permanent residents and citizens of listed countries. India is on the list, so an Indian citizen on H-1B can apply through CBP's arrangement with India, which adds a background check by the Government of India.
Can green card holders get Global Entry?
Yes. CBP's eligibility page lists lawful permanent residents of the United States among those who can enroll, regardless of citizenship. You apply through CBP's Trusted Traveler Programs website, pay the $120 fee, and complete an interview, which can be done through Enrollment on Arrival when you re-enter the US.
How long does Global Entry take for Indian citizens?
CBP says vetting by the Government of India may take 6 months to 2 years, so approval may be delayed by up to 2 years. If approved, you get a full five-year membership starting on the approval date. CBP advises Indian citizens living outside India to apply before their next trip to India to avoid further delays.
Can H-1B holders get TSA PreCheck?
Not directly. TSA says its PreCheck application program is only open to US citizens, US nationals and lawful permanent residents. But TSA also says Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI allow some foreign citizens to apply, and CBP says Global Entry members are eligible for TSA PreCheck on domestic flights.
What happens to my Global Entry when I get a new H-1B visa?
You must tell CBP. CBP says members who aren't US citizens or permanent residents must keep their visa information current and must visit a Global Entry enrollment center in person to add or update a visa. Otherwise the kiosk may calculate your class of admission or admission date incorrectly.
Green Card Guide AI is not a law firm and this article is not legal advice. It describes evidence-building strategy in general terms; your attorney determines what belongs in your petition and how it's argued.
