What to Do When Your Visitor Request Says 'Pending Approval' (and what 'Call Unit' means)
"Pending Approval" means your relationship request has been sent to your loved one's unit - TDCJ staff need to verify the connection before you can schedule anything. If you see "Call Unit" instead of a Schedule Visit button, online scheduling isn't available right now; you'll need to phone the unit directly. And "Not Approved for Visits"? That's different. It usually means the relationship is confirmed, but visitation privileges have been removed, so the system won't let you book.
Adding an inmate to your profile doesn't mean you're instantly cleared to visit. Your request goes to the inmate's unit of assignment, where TDCJ staff verify the relationship before anything moves forward.
While staff review your request, you'll see the person listed under "Relation Requests Pending Approval" on your visitor home page. Until that status changes, you won't be able to schedule a visit through the system.
Sometimes the portal won't show a normal "Schedule Visit" button. If that area is blank or says "Call Unit," online scheduling isn't available for your situation. Call the inmate's unit of assignment to set up your visit.
Tip: When you call the unit, have the inmate’s name and ID number ready, along with your own visitor information, so staff can locate the request quickly.
"Not Approved for Visits" isn't the same as "Pending Approval." This message appears when the relationship has been confirmed but the inmate's visitation privileges have been removed. You won't be able to schedule through the portal.
Next step: Contact the unit staff to ask what restriction is in place and whether there are steps (if any) that can help restore visitation privileges.
Next Steps
- ✓ Double-check your visitor profile details and the inmate information you selected before you wait on approval
- ✓ Watch your visitor home page for the request to move out of “Relation Requests Pending Approval” after staff verification
- ✓ If you see a blank Schedule Visit area or “Call Unit,” call the inmate’s unit of assignment to ask about scheduling and timing
- Wait for relationship verification - your request stays under “Relation Requests Pending Approval” until unit staff approves it.
- Call if the portal says “Call Unit” (or the button is missing) - that status means you should schedule by calling the inmate’s unit of assignment.
- Ask about restrictions if you see “Not Approved for Visits” - that message can appear when the relationship is confirmed but visitation privileges have been removed, so unit staff is the place to clarify what’s going on.
When to push for clarity: If your request sits in pending for weeks, the portal keeps showing "Call Unit" with no progress, or you're told scheduling isn't possible, call the unit staff directly. They can explain what's happening and tell you the next steps for your situation.
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