How to Get Approved to Visit Someone in a Michigan Prison: Step-by-step timeline
Getting approved to visit someone in a Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) prison follows a set process. The key is knowing what happens first (the prisoner adds you), what you need to submit (your application), and how long each step takes.
The approval process starts with the prisoner. Before you can schedule any visit, you need to be on their Visiting List - and only the prisoner can add you. Not sure if you're on it? Contact the prisoner and ask them to add you.
MDOC allows prisoners to include immediate family, qualified clergy, attorneys, outreach volunteers, and up to ten other designated people on their Visiting List. That list is the starting gate. Being eligible doesn't mean you're automatically approved to visit, but you won't get far without being named first.
Before filling out any paperwork, confirm the prisoner has added you to their Visiting List. MDOC requires visitors to be added at the prisoner's request. If you're unsure, reach out and ask them to put you on the list. Eligible categories include immediate family, qualified clergy, attorneys, outreach volunteers, and up to ten other people the prisoner chooses.
Step2
- ✓ CAJ-103 MDOC Visiting Application (most visitors)
- ✓ CAJ-1069 Visiting Application (attorneys)
Once you've completed your application, submit it online through MiLogin or mail it to the facility where the prisoner is housed. Online applicants receive an email response once processing is complete. Mailing a CAJ-103? Include a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) so the facility can send your response. One more thing: MDOC facilities won't mail copies of the visiting application to you, so keep your own copy.
Timeline reality check: Whether you apply online through MiLogin or mail your application, processing can take up to four weeks. Online applicants are notified by email when the application is processed; mailed applicants should include a SASE for a mailed response.
Expect the approval decision to take time. MDOC says processing can take up to four weeks for both online and mailed applications. Online applicants get an email when their application is processed. Mail applicants receive a response through the SASE they included.
Attorneys follow a different track. Instead of the standard form, attorneys submit the CAJ-1069 to the Warden's Administrative Assistant at the facility. These applications are processed within two business days of receipt - much faster than the standard visitor timeline. If you're an attorney, make sure you're using the correct form and routing it properly.
Quick form check: Most visitors use the CAJ-103. Attorneys use the CAJ-1069, which is processed faster (within two business days of receipt at the facility).
After approval, you'll schedule your visit through the Michigan DOC Visitation Scheduling site hosted by ViaPath (formerly GTL). Don't try to book before you're approved - you won't be able to. Once you get the green light, remember that all visits are by appointment only through the ViaPath/GTL scheduler.
- ✓ Schedule visits at least 48 hours in advance
- ✓ Don’t schedule more than 7 days in advance
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