Tsa Precheck: International Students' Eligibility Explained

TSA PreCheck is a program that provides expedited security screening for flights departing from U.S. airports. International students cannot apply for TSA PreCheck directly; instead, they must enroll in Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck benefits. Global Entry is a government program that allows approved travelers to skip long lines at customs and head to an automated kiosk when entering the U.S. It is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and citizens from certain other countries. The cost of enrolling in Global Entry is $120 for five years of membership, and applicants are subject to a background check and interview. Some travel credit cards offer reimbursement for the Global Entry application fee as a perk.

Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck

Global Entry is a good option if you plan to travel abroad often and live near, or are travelling through, a centre for the required interview. It is also a good option if you are travelling with children, as applicants under the age of 18 are free of charge when a parent or legal guardian is already a member or concurrently applying.

Global Entry also includes expedited processing at land borders with Mexico and Canada. The renewal grace period has increased from six to 24 months for anyone who applies to renew before their current membership expires.

If you are considering Global Entry, you should review the various DHS trusted traveller programs to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and determine the best program for you.

TSA PreCheck application fee

The TSA PreCheck application fee depends on which enrollment provider you use. It costs \$78 to submit an application at an Idemia enrollment center or \$85 at a Telos or Clear enrollment center. There are more than 600 Idemia locations and only around 200 Telos locations. If you enroll through Clear at an airport kiosk (where available), it will cost \$77.95, or \$199.95 if you package Clear Plus membership with your TSA PreCheck membership.

The application fee for TSA PreCheck can be reimbursed by certain travel credit cards. Some travel credit cards may also include other benefits like airport lounge access. Cards that offer a reimbursement for the TSA PreCheck application fee include the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card, the New United℠ Explorer Card, and the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card. Many travel cards reimburse TSA PreCheck application fees every four to five years.

Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits, so you don't need to sign up for both programs. Global Entry costs \$120 for a five-year membership. Applicants under the age of 18 are free of charge when a parent or legal guardian is already a member or concurrently applying for NEXUS, SENTRI, or Global Entry membership.

TSA PreCheck for international students

TSA PreCheck is a program that provides expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from US airports. International students can apply for TSA PreCheck, but the process may vary depending on their nationality and resident status.

Eligibility

TSA PreCheck is available to both US citizens and lawful permanent residents. However, foreign nationals can only be eligible for TSA PreCheck if they enroll in Global Entry. Global Entry is a separate program run by US Customs and Border Protection that provides expedited US customs screening for international air travelers entering the United States. It also includes TSA PreCheck benefits. Therefore, by enrolling in Global Entry, international students can access TSA PreCheck.

Application Process

To apply for Global Entry, international students may need to complete additional pre-application steps in their home country. They should review the eligibility requirements and determine if they need to complete any additional steps before submitting their application. The application fee for Global Entry is $100 for a five-year membership, and applicants are subject to a background check and interview. During the interview, applicants must provide their passport and may be asked additional questions to determine their eligibility.

TSA PreCheck Benefits

Once approved for Global Entry, international students will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that provides access to TSA PreCheck lanes at US airports. When booking flights or checking in, they must enter their KTN to ensure they receive TSA PreCheck benefits. At the airport, they will be directed to dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes, allowing them to speed through security lines.

Alternative Options

It is worth noting that some credit cards and frequent flyer programs offer reimbursement for the Global Entry application fee. Additionally, certain credit cards provide a credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees, allowing individuals to obtain membership without paying an annual fee. Therefore, international students may consider exploring these options to offset the cost of enrollment.

TSA PreCheck for free

TSA PreCheck is a service that allows frequent travellers to speed through security lines at the airport. The cost of TSA PreCheck depends on which enrolment provider you use. It costs $78 to submit an application at an Idemia enrolment centre or $85 at a Telos enrolment centre. There are more than 600 Idemia locations and only around 200 Telos locations. If you enrol through Clear at an airport kiosk, it will cost $77.95, or $199.95 if packaged with a Clear Plus membership.

However, there are ways to get TSA PreCheck for free. Some travel credit cards offer reimbursement of the application or renewal fee. Dozens of credit cards reimburse the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee if you use that card to pay upfront. The Arvest Visa Signature Credit Card reimburses up to $100 for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees. Note that the Arvest Visa Signature Credit Card is only available to consumers in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. U.S.-based HSBC Premier checking account holders can get a HSBC Premier Credit Card for $0 annual fee, which offers up to an $85 statement credit every five years to reimburse the TSA PreCheck application fee.

Some other credit cards that offer TSA PreCheck for free include:

• U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card
• U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card
• U.S. Bank FlexPerks Gold American Express Card
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
• Capital One Spark Miles for Business
• The New United Explorer Card
• PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card

Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, plus faster U.S. customs screening for international travellers arriving at U.S. airports. It costs $120 for a five-year membership. Global Entry is a better option if you plan on travelling both overseas and domestically.

TSA PreCheck for domestic travellers

TSA PreCheck is a great option for domestic travellers who take fewer than four international trips per year. It is a trusted traveller program that expedites traveller screening through participating TSA security checkpoints. The cost of TSA PreCheck depends on the enrolment provider you use. It costs $78 to submit an application at an Idemia enrolment centre, $85 at a Telos enrolment centre, or $77.95 at an airport kiosk.

To enrol in TSA PreCheck, you can follow these steps:

• Submit your TSA PreCheck application online.
• Complete your enrolment in person at your chosen provider. This includes fingerprinting, document and photo capture, and payment.
• Receive your Known Traveller Number (KTN) in 3-5 days, though some applications can take up to 60 days.
• Enter your KTN in the appropriate field of your airline reservation to access TSA PreCheck lanes.

Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits, so you do not need to sign up for both programs. Global Entry is a better option if you also travel internationally, as it provides expedited U.S. customs screening when returning to the U.S. from international trips. Global Entry costs $120 for a five-year membership, and many credit cards will reimburse you for the application fee.

Frequently asked questions