Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, CLEAR and the CBP app on a visa

Not sure which apply to you? The airport programs checker answers by passport and status.

What each program does

Program	What you get	Who runs it	Cost
Global Entry	Fast US arrival through kiosks or face scan, plus TSA PreCheck	CBP (US government)	$120 for 5 years
TSA PreCheck	Faster security line; shoes and laptop stay in	TSA (US government)	Set by TSA’s enrolment providers, for 5 years (see tsa.gov)
CLEAR+	Skips the ID check at security (not the screening itself)	CLEAR (private company)	$219 a year
Mobile Passport Control	App for arrival processing	CBP	Free

Global Entry for Indian citizens

Indian citizens became eligible through a US–India arrangement, and that includes people living in the US on a valid visa like H-1B or H-4. It takes two applications:

1. US side: apply on CBP’s Trusted Traveler Programs website and pay the fee (CBP’s India page still shows $100; the fee has been $120 since October 2024). Wait for conditional approval.
2. India side: submit details and ₹500 on the Passport Seva portal for India’s background check, then visit a Passport Seva Kendra (by appointment) for fingerprints and a photo. Many people time this for a trip home.
3. US interview: at a Global Entry enrolment centre, or with Enrollment on Arrival when you land from an international trip (no appointment).

You need a valid passport and valid visa, and you must update CBP whenever your visa changes: a new H-1B stamp, H-4 to H-1B, or a new passport.

TSA PreCheck

You can apply directly only as a US citizen, US national or green card holder. On H-1B or H-4, the route is Global Entry: your Global Entry number (PASSID) is your Known Traveler Number. Add it to every airline booking and frequent-flyer profile.

CLEAR

CLEAR is a private service that confirms your identity with your eyes or fingerprints so you skip the ID line; you still go through screening (use it with PreCheck for the full benefit). It accepts US REAL ID driver’s licences and passports from a list of about 40 countries; India isn’t on that list, so visa holders enrol with a REAL ID licence. It costs $219 a year, with family add-ons. Whether it’s worth it depends on your home airport’s lines.

Mobile Passport Control and kiosks

CBP’s Mobile Passport Control app is for US citizens and Canadian visitors only, and the remaining Automated Passport Control kiosks don’t list H-1B or H-4. You’ll use the regular line or, with Global Entry, the Global Entry lane.

NEXUS and SENTRI

NEXUS (US–Canada) is only for US and Canadian citizens and permanent residents. SENTRI (US–Mexico land border) is open more broadly, but rarely useful unless you cross the southern border often.

Green card and citizenship

• When your green card arrives, update your Global Entry profile; you can then also apply for PreCheck directly.
• After naturalizing, update Global Entry with your US passport and you can use Mobile Passport Control.

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Sources

1. CBP: Global Entry for Indian citizens
2. CBP: Trusted Traveler Programs fee changes (Global Entry $120)
3. TSA: PreCheck FAQ (eligibility, Known Traveler Number)
4. CBP: NEXUS eligibility
5. CBP: Mobile Passport Control
6. CBP: Automated Passport Control
7. CLEAR: CLEAR+ membership and accepted ID
8. CLEAR: Is CLEAR international? (accepted foreign passports)

Rules change often. If something here looks out of date, it probably is; check the official source and talk to an immigration attorney about your own case.