US CBP 'Global Entry'

[openseat]

A colleague in the US has been singing the praises of his registration in the 'Global Entry' programme, as it takes him past all the queues at immigration. It is an automated system of passport that relies on fingerprints being scanned. Apparently it also gets you through customs very quickly as a 'trusted traveler'.
I thought that this would only be for US citizens/permanent residents, but I found on the webpage the rather curiously worded statement:

Who May Apply for Global Entry?

• Individuals who are 14 years of age and older who are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents, or citizens of certain other countries.

There is no indication on the website as to what countries are included under the 'certain other countries' statement.

Does anyone know of Australian passport holders, who are not dual citizens or US permanent residents, that have successfully enrolled in Global Entry?

 

[dfcatch]

Was wondering the same question

Was pretty sure that I found a reference to australian citizens earlier in the year when I looked it up.

But when I looked at enrollment today, it only had options for being a US citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident, so I'm not sure where the reference to "other citizens" applies..???

 

[thewinchester]

I was taking a look at this myself, and there seems to be some inconsistencies between the information published and how the online application form works, as discovered by dfcatch.

Looking into this further, and checking the CBP Help system - it seems that the only foreign nationals who have access to Global Entry are Dutch citizens, specifically those who are members of the Privium program operated by Schiphol Airports.

If you are looking to blitz the immigration lines at US airports as an Australian, then your only option I know of is the APEC Business Travel Card.

As stated here and here:

Cardholders from all participating economies are now also entitled to use 'fast-track' immigration lanes (currently designated for air-crew) at all international airports in the United States and 8 major international airports in Canada.

However, the rules around applying for this card seemed to have been tightened up somewhat. From the IMMI eligibility page:

Australian citizens

To be eligible for the card, Australian applicants must first satisfy ALL of the following business-related criteria:

1. The applicant must be a senior executive level business person (see below).
2. The applicant must be directly involved in the trade of goods and/or services or the conduct of investment activities when travelling overseas.
3. The business entity (which the applicant represents) must be well-established and well-credentialed in terms of its international trade and investment activities.
4. The business entity (which the applicant represents) must demonstrate significant economic benefit within the APEC region from its business activities.

 

[dfcatch]

Unfortunately,

I think you may be right.

Although I'm sure I thought Australians were eligible for Global Entry when I looked at it earlier in the year...I may be wrong, but I swear I thought it was the case because I remember seeing that you had to be a Canadian or US permanent resident to use Nexus, but Global Entry was an option.

Oh well.......