SENTRI Pass FAQs page will answer some of the most frequently asked questions SENTRI applicants have.

How long is the Sentri pass valid for?
The Sentri pass is valid for 5 years from the date of issue after which time it must be renewed. You can download a simplified version of the government Sentri application form by using Immigration Passport Visa Service.

Where are the Sentri interview locations?
Your Sentri interview will take place at one of the SENTRI Enrollment Centers. You can choose the location that best suits you.

How do I update my new address with Sentri once my card has been issued?
You must update all contact details as well as any amendments or changes to your documentation e.g. new passport, driver’s license, permanent resident cards etc. If you receive a criminal conviction (other than a traffic violation) you must also inform Sentri. You can do this by calling in to one of the Enrollment Centers.

How do I update my new passport with Sentri once my card has been issued?
You must update your new passport details by calling in to one of the Enrollment Centers.

I have lost my Sentri card how do I apply for a new one?
You must call in to one of the Enrollment Centers and report your loss. There is a fee to reissue your card. You should not apply for a new card using the SENTRI application because this will cancel your membership to the program.

My windshield was damaged and I need a new Sentri tag. How do I get one?
You should contact one of the Enrollment Centers to report the damage and to apply for a new one.

Can one person fill out a Sentri card for the family?
Yes, this is not a problem if one person fills out multiple applications. If you file with Immigration Passport Visa Service you do not have to fill out every section of the application for every family member e.g. if you all live at the same address. If you apply online using the GOES system you will have to make a separate application for each family member and fill out every section – the average time spent filling out an online Sentri application is 1.5 hours so if there are quite a few of you it could very time consuming doing it yourself.

Is there a family application form?
No. Every member of the family must fill out a separate application form because Customs and Border Protection need to perform separate background and security checks on each person.

Do infants / children need a Sentri pass?
It doesn’t matter what age your child is – they can be a newborn infant but if you want them to travel with you using the Sentri lane they must have a Sentri pass. If you are traveling by car all occupants must be Sentri pass holders in order for you to use the Sentri lane. Likewise you can only use Sentri at an airport if you hold a card. Your infant will be given his / her own Sentri pass. You must fill out a separate application form and he / she must attend the Sentri interview with you.

I have a criminal conviction will I be denied a Sentri pass?
Immigration Passport Visa Service have many people applying for a SENTRI card with a conviction. Some of them got approved right away; others got denied and objected to the denial with the Ombudsman asking for a review of their application. There is always a risk. It’s up to you to decide if you want to take the risk. If you apply with us we’ll make sure that your SENTRI card application is properly filled and all requirements are met. 

How do I set up a PayPal account?
The process of setting up a new PayPal account is very easy and quick. Please follow the steps:

1. Go to our website and click the service you’re interested in:

http://sentri.immigrationpassportvisa.com

2. On the service page, click the blue Payment button. A new PayPal page will open.

3. On the right side of the screen click the “Create a new PayPal account”.

4. Fill in your personal and credit card details and click “Agree and create account” at the bottom.

5. You’re done. Once inside your account, please follow the instructions to complete the payment.

Can I get a refund; I do not want to apply for a Sentri card?
You can get a refund from Immigration Passport Visa Service if you have not submitted your application form or if you have just made the PayPal transaction and then changed your mind. If you have submitted an application form and you have received an email from us saying that it has been submitted we cannot refund your fee. If you would like a refund and have not yet received the ‘Application Submitted’ email, please email us at info@immigrationpassportvisa.com

What are the Sentri fees? Why must I pay with PayPal?
There are two fees that must be paid in order to apply for the SENTRI program:

1. IPVS service fee (paid through PayPal) for your application review, checks, processing and monitoring. The fee is $129.99 for the Regular service and $179.99 for the Premium service.
and 
2. Customs and Border Protection fee of $122.50, $25 of which is payable with the credit card you provide on the application form. This fee covers your background and law enforcement checks and is non-refundable. The remainder of the government fee is payable at the interview.

Who is eligible for a SENTRI pass?
The SENTRI pass program is open to anybody who is a permanent resident or citizen of the USA or Mexico to apply. However, it is designed for low risk travelers. People with criminal convictions, penalties, and violations of any kind are not likely to be approved.

How does SENTRI work?
There are special lanes which are for SENTRI Pass only at many of the busy border crossing points. SENTRI Pass holders can use these lanes which are significantly less busy. When you approach the border, you present your electronic SENTRI Pass card, and it is scanned by a machine. SENTRI Pass holders also have a transponder adhered to the vehicle’s windshield which also communicates with the border patrol computer system. This quick scanning system allows SENTRI Pass holders to pass through the border at a rate of about 10 seconds per vehicle.

I am a US citizen, can I use my SENTRI card to cross the border to Mexico and back to the US?
Yes, you can use your SENTRI card instead of a passport if you want to travel to or return from Mexico by land and sea. I you are travelling by airplane, you need a passport.

I am a Mexican citizen and have a SENTRI card. Can I travel to the USA without a visa?
No, you will still have to apply a non-immigrant visa in an American embassy or consulate in Mexico.

I already have a SENTRI pass but I need to change my vehicle?
The first step is to visit the SENTRI office to obtain a “Change of Vehicle” application. Bring a copy of the new car’s registration and insurance cards. The SENTRI office will call you within two weeks to schedule an appointment for the vehicle inspection. The fee for changing a vehicle is $42.00.

How much faster is the SENTRI line compared to the other border crossing lanes?
In general, the SENTRI lane is 20-30 seconds faster per vehicle inspected and therefore is especially useful during the morning and evening rush hours and on weekends.

Which border crossings have a SENTRI lane?
You can find a list of SENTRI pass interview centers and border crossing locations here.

I have been denied. Can I re-apply?
You can reapply. Additional information can be provided to assist you with your reapplication but that won’t guarantee membership in the program. You can fill out our application form and we will reapply for you.

How long does it take to get my SENTRI application processed?
The review process can take up to three months.

When should I schedule my interview appointment?
Schedule a SENTRI interview appointment within 30 days of being conditionally approved. The actual appointment date can be beyond the 30-day period. If you fail to schedule the interview within 30 days from the date of conditional approval, you will be denied.

What do I need to bring for my interview?
You will need to bring a copy of your conditional approval letter. The list of documents required for the interview can be obtained by viewing your interview confirmation.

Who is ineligible to participate in the SENTRI program?

Applicants may not qualify for participation in the SENTRI program if they:

	Provide false or incomplete information on the SENTRI application;
	Have been convicted of any criminal offense or have pending criminal charges or outstanding warrants;
	Have been found in violation of any customs, immigration or agriculture regulations or laws in any country;
	Are subjects of an ongoing investigation by any federal, state or local law enforcement agency;
	Are inadmissible to the United States under immigration regulation, including applicants with approved waivers of
	inadmissibility or parole documentation;
	Cannot satisfy CBP of their low-risk status
	Are subject to National Security Entry Exit Registration System (NSEERS) or other special registration programs.

Immigration Passport Visa Service does not guarantee approval for any Trusted Traveler program. Inaccurate or incomplete SENTRI pass application forms are automatically denied access to the SENTRI cards program.