@CreditCuriousity wrote:
Live in Nashville, TN along with my DL... Ya the airport is the only location for GE in my state for interview, probably that way in every state? When I looked about 2 weeks ago first interview was end of January. Would of proceeded with making the appt. and paying the fee, but needed the passport prior to scheduling thus stopping me in my track. I can probably get the passport within a few weeks when I get back from visiting family for turkey day just have it expedited and pay that fee although has been awhile since I got a passport, but lost and had to have it cancelled thus the situation I am in with having to get a new one for GE. I am hoping it might be possible for walk-in all though in all honesty probably won't be leaving the country until Apr-Jun time frame so a normal entry is probably good enough even if it isn't until March time frame as from what I read the do all the other BG checks (more thorough) prior to the interview and if all is good they issue you the GE or approve you right there at the interview if all goes well. Correct? Just using the TSA Pre as a stop gap for this upcoming trip and possibly another one prior to GE as have a few cards that reimburse for TSA/GE fees.
Never heard about change coming up Jan 22nd for certain states that is strange... I assume Tenn will be good as getting a DL down here was a PITA they made you bring in certified birth certificate along with SS card etc. Although I certainly could be wrong. Needless to say will be getting a passport process started sometime in Dec and probably get it before end of december although the holidays certainly do slow down things
Only thing I am a bit worried about on the GE is a dui from about 20 years ago, but heard as long as honest and nothing in the last 10 years and you disclose it all you are good to go. Have had security clearance as well 10 years ago and the DUI didn't cause me an issue thus doubt it would for GE either, but stranger things have happened
TN DLs are listed as compliant, so that's good.
GE interviews are mostly at airports, but not entirely. Mine was near the Long Beach, CA seaport. Some land crossings to Canada and Mexico offer interviews.
Lots of people get approved at the interview or later that day, but sometimes it takes longer.
Three people on FT tried walking in at BNA, all in 2016. Only one got an interview.
People have been turned down for vague reasons and a common factor seems to be old criminal records (which, as you say, shouldn't be a factor). Again, check FT for details. There's a "Trusted Travelers" forum. Shoplifting as a teen in one case...even saying the word "hash" to a customs agent years ago (in reference to a brand of jeans being brought back into the USA) which lead to a full (fruitless) drug search and no charges, but still some note that posed a problem for the traveler when applying years later.
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After reading other posts here ... we could certainly accompany you and vouch for your character and that being from Nashville TN you are an important person in the entertainment industry and not to mess with you!