How to Get on an Inmate's Approved Visiting List at FCI McKean
Before you can visit someone at FCI McKean, you need to be on that inmate's approved visiting list and cleared by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Here's how the approval process works and what you can do to avoid delays.
You can't just show up. The inmate must place you on their approved visiting list first, and then the BOP has to clear you separately. Both requirements need to be met before you'll be allowed in.
The BOP allows inmates to include more than just parents, spouses, and children on their visiting list. Grandparents, uncles, aunts, in-laws, and cousins all qualify. Friends and associates can be added too (with a limit), along with categories like foreign officials, clergy and religious group members, civic group members, current or prospective employers, sponsors, parole advisors, and attorneys. Fitting one of these categories makes you a candidate, but you still need to go through the clearance process before you can actually visit.
Note: The BOP caps the "friends/associates" category at 10 people. If those spots are already full, the inmate will need to update their list before you can be considered.
- Ask the inmate to add you to their visiting list - The process starts with the inmate, not the visitor.
- Complete the BP-A0629 visitor application - This form asks for personal information so the BOP can evaluate your request.
- Fill out every section you can - If you do not furnish the requested information, the processing of your request will be suspended and you will receive no further consideration.
- Return the completed form as instructed - Follow the directions given with the form so it gets to the right place for review.
Being "on the list" and being "cleared" go hand in hand. The BP-A0629 is a key part of how the BOP decides whether to clear you for visiting. Leave out information and your request can be suspended. Partial answers slow everything down. If you want to visit sooner, the fastest path is a complete, accurate application the first time.
Once the inmate submits your name and your BP-A0629 information is reviewed, the BOP runs its clearance process. Until that clears, you won't be able to visit, even if the inmate has already added you to their list. Processing times vary. If you're trying to plan travel, check with FCI McKean directly for current timelines and any local procedures that could affect how quickly your request moves.
There's one common situation where the usual list may not exist yet: when someone first enters federal prison or transfers to a new facility. During that early window, immediate family members may be allowed to visit if the relationship can be verified through the inmate's Pre-Sentence Report. This doesn't automatically open visiting to everyone, but it can help immediate family get approved while the longer-term visiting list is still being built.
Warning: The BP-A0629 form states that false statements can lead to criminal penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 1001, including a fine of up to $250,000, up to five years in prison, or both.
If you're tempted to "clean up" an answer to improve your chances, don't. The form is clear about the legal risk of false statements, and missing information can stop your request from moving forward. Slow is frustrating, but inaccurate is worse. Take a few minutes to re-read your answers before submitting, especially names, dates, and any yes/no questions.
Practical Tips Verification
- ✓ Get the inmate’s register number and use it consistently when communicating about visiting.
- ✓ Use full legal names (no nicknames) and make sure spelling matches IDs and official documents.
- ✓ Be clear about your relationship category (relative, friend/associate, clergy, attorney, etc.).
- ✓ If you think the request is stalled, ask the inmate to check with their unit team on the status.
- ✓ Before making plans, confirm current visiting procedures and timelines with FCI McKean directly.
Find an Inmate at FCI McKean
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
