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Chicago O'Hare (ORD) Global Entry Interview Process: Ultimate Guide

Grant Havekost

Introduction

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is an excellent choice to complete your Global Entry interview, since the enrollment center is conveniently located within the airport. The Global Entry trusted traveler program (TTP) can significantly enhance your international travel experience by streamlining the customs clearance process. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through what to expect during the Global Entry interview at Chicago O'Hare airport and provide information on the application process, documents, parking, location, and more.


 

No Global Entry interviews available at Chicago O'Hare airport?

Check the latest interview wait times in Chicago. Appointments open up because of cancellations & reschedules, but you have to act fast because they get booked within minutes. Want to receive real-time notifications when an appointment becomes available at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)? Learn more about our notification service, which our customers have been using to quickly secure their appointments.

 

What is Global Entry?

Global Entry is a program by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter through automatic kiosks at select airports, including Chicago O'Hare airport, making international travel a breeze.


Why Choose Chicago O'Hare for Your Global Entry Interview?

Selecting the Chicago O'Hare airport enrollment center for your Global Entry interview comes with several advantages:

  1. Proximity: For residents of Chicago and surrounding areas, the Chicago O'Hare Global Entry location provides a convenient and accessible location for the interview process. The Chicago O'Hare enrollment location can also be a good option for Wisconsin, Michigan, or Indiana residents when interview availability is limited in their own states.

  2. Efficiency: The Global Entry enrollment center at ORD is typically well-organized, ensuring a smooth and efficient interview experience.

  3. Convenience: Completing your interview at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) allows you to immediately benefit from the Global Entry program upon your next international trip.


The Global Entry Interview Process at Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD)

Let's dive into the specifics of what you can expect during your Global Entry interview at the ORD enrollment location:

  1. Complete your Global Entry Application: the very first step in everyone's Global Entry journey is to submit your Global Entry application on the Trusted Travelers Programs (TTP) website. Your application will require basic information like job history, address history, travel history, as well as a $120 non-refundable application fee.

  2. Become conditionally approved: once your application is submitted, the government will review your details. If they do not require any more information or have follow-up questions, your application will be marked as "Conditionally Approved" at which point you're allowed to schedule your interview. 

  3. Schedule Your Appointment: you will need to schedule an appointment through the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website. Ensure you choose a date and time that suits your availability. Check the latest interview wait times in Chicago.

  4. Arrival at the Chicago O'Hare Enrollment Center: On the day of your interview, arrive at the Chicago O'Hare enrollment center, conveniently located within the ORD airport in Terminal 5 on the Lower Level (Arrivals). Plan to arrive a bit early to give yourself time to park and locate the office.

  5. Required Documents: Make sure you have all the necessary documents with you, including your valid passport, the Conditional Approval letter from your TTP account, another government-issued ID, such as a driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease agreement to verify your address).

  6. The Interview: The Global Entry interview is typically a straightforward process, lasting around 15 minutes. During the interview, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will verify your identity and cross-check the information on your application, ask you questions about your travel history and, in some cases, your criminal background (if applicable), capture your fingerprints, provide instructions on how to use the Global Entry kiosks at the airport.

  7. Approval and Membership: If everything checks out during your interview, you'll receive approval for Global Entry. Your membership card will be mailed to you within a few weeks. Once you have your Global Entry membership, you can begin enjoying expedited customs and immigration clearance.


Does the Chicago O'Hare Interview Location Accept Walk-Ins?

No, the Chicago O'Hare Global Entry enrollment center does not accept walk-ins for interviews. You must make an appointment in advance via the TTP website, or conduct your interview via Enrollment Upon Arrival.


Does ORD have Global Entry Enrollment On Arrival?

Yes, Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) participates in Global Entry Enrollment on Arrival, which allows Global Entry applicants who are conditionally approved to complete their interview upon arrival into the United States. If you are arriving on an international flight into ORD airport Terminal 5, you can complete your Global Entry interview upon arrival without a scheduled appointment. Follow the signs when you land, which you'll see before you exit customs.


Preparing for Your Global Entry Interview

Here are some essential tips to help you prepare for a successful Global Entry interview at the Chicago ORD enrollment location:

  1. Review Your Application: Before your interview, thoroughly review your Global Entry application to ensure all the information is accurate and up-to-date.

  2. Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at the enrollment center a bit earlier than your scheduled appointment to accommodate any potential delays.

  3. Required Documents: Double-check that you have all the necessary documents with you, including your passport, Conditional Approval letter, and proof of residency.

  4. Dress Appropriately: While there's no formal dress code, it's advisable to dress neatly and professionally for your interview.

  5. Stay Courteous: During the interview, maintain a polite and respectful demeanor with the CBP officer. Answer questions confidently and honestly.

  6. Stay Informed: Stay updated on any changes or updates related to the Global Entry program or interview process, especially if you need to reschedule your appointment.


Where is the Chicago O'Hare Global Entry Interview Location?

  • Located in Terminal 5 on Lower Level Arrivals: the Global Entry interview office at Chicago O'Hare (ORD) is located in the international Terminal 5 on the Lower Level (Arrivals). The office is down the hallway to the left of the McDonald's. The office will have signage posted to let you know it's the Global Entry office.

  • Get to ORD using Public Transport: Chicago O'Hare is well connected with public transportation options including the CTA Blue Line. Check out the ORD transportation webpage for additional public transportation options.

  • Google Maps Directions: view the ORD Airport Global Entry interview location on Google Maps to get directions from your location.

  • Interactive O'Hare ORD Airport map: use the ORD interactive map to navigate to the enrollment center when you arrive.

  • When is the Chicago O'Hare Global Entry interview location open?: the interview location is open from 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Monday-Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday-Sunday, though please note that interviews are by appointment only. You can call the Chicago O'Hare Global Entry office using their phone number (773) 686-7066.

  • What is the address of Global Entry at ORD?: the address of the Global Entry at ORD is 10000 W. Bessie Coleman Drive Terminal 5 Chicago, IL 60666, which is the address of Terminal 5 at the airport.

Map showing the location of the Global Entry office at Chicago O'Hare airport
The Global Entry office at Chicago O'Hare is in Terminal 5 Arrivals Level

Where to Park at Chicago O'Hare ORD Airport for Global Entry Interview

  • Which Parking Lot to Choose: you should park in the T5 Parking Garage which is the closest garage to the Global Entry office in Terminal 5. T5 Parking Garage offers short term hourly parking and is connected to Terminal 5 with a covered pedestrian bridge. The parking garage is covered to keep your vehicle safe from the weather and offers electric vehicle charging on levels 1-4. In the event that T5 Parking Garage is full, you can park in the surface Lot D parking which is adjacent to the T5 Parking Garage.

  • Live Parking Spot Availability: while you cannot see live parking availability, you can check parking garage status on the ORD parking website to know in advance whether the T5 Parking Garage and Lot D are open.

  • Reserve a Parking Spot: you cannot reserve short-term parking in the T5 Parking Garage currently. However, if you're concerned about parking availability you can reserve in advance in Lot A and Lot F, but note that it'll cost more and you'll need to take airport transportation to reach Terminal 5.

  • How Much does Parking Cost: hourly parking in the T5 Parking Garage costs $3 per hour for the first two hours. You'll likely only need 1 hour in total to complete your interview. Check the Chicago O'Hare parking website for the most up-to-date information & pricing.

  • Parking Contact Information: you can call the ORD Airport parking service at (773) 686-7530 with any questions.

Map showing Terminal 5 parking at Chicago O'Hare airport
Park in the T5 Parking Garage and use the covered walkway to reach Terminal 5

After the Interview

Once approved, you will receive your Global Entry card in the mail within a few weeks. This card will expedite your travel process, allowing you to use Global Entry kiosks at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and other participating airports.


Conclusion

Completing the Global Entry interview process at the Chicago O'Hare Global Entry enrollment location is an excellent choice for travelers seeking to skip wait times at customs when re-entering the country. By following the steps outlined in this guide and adequately preparing for your interview, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the benefits of hassle-free international travel. Choose ORD airport as your interview location, and you'll not only streamline your travel experience but also have the opportunity to explore the vibrant city of Chicago and surrounding areas while you're in town. Unlock the world of seamless international travel by embarking on your Global Entry journey today.


No Global Entry interviews available in Chicago?

Check the latest interview wait times in Chicago for all locations. Chicago O'Hare International Airport ORD is a high-demand location for Global Entry interviews, and is often booked out 6+ months straight. While there tends to be limited availability, there are frequent cancellations meaning slots do open up at shorter notice. In order to take advantage of these cancellations, you can either closely track the TTP website for availability, but please note that often the cancellations slots become booked within 1-2 minutes, so this approach may be impractical. The alternative is to use an automated alert system, such as our service Global Entry Tracker, which will send you real-time emails for when there is availability at the Chicago O'Hare interview location. You can select up to three locations to track and select a desired date range so that you only get notified when a closer appointment date opens up. Learn more about our service and contact us if you need help securing your appointment.

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