How to Get on an Inmate’s Approved Visiting List at MCC Chicago

First, confirm the inmate is actually housed at MCC Chicago and get their register number. The BOP uses this information to match visiting paperwork to the right person, and having it ready helps staff process your request faster. No one gets a visit until the inmate has added them to the visiting list and the BOP has cleared them, so starting with the correct details matters.

The BOP allows inmates to include certain relatives on their visiting list: grandparents, uncles, aunts, in-laws, and cousins, among others. Beyond family, other approved categories include members of religious groups (including clergy), members of civic groups, employers (former or prospective), sponsors, parole advisors, and attorneys. Friends and associates can be added too, but the list is capped at 10 for that category.

This process starts on the inmate's end. When someone arrives at a new BOP facility (or transfers in), they create a visiting list through the institution. The BOP then works through the required clearances. If your loved one is new to MCC Chicago or recently transferred, their list may not be finalized yet, so approval can take some time. The bottom line stays the same: you can only visit after the inmate has placed you on the list and the BOP has cleared you.

The approval process includes verification checks. The institution can confirm the information you provide by checking with law enforcement or crime information agencies. This is why complete, accurate paperwork matters. Don't make travel plans until you know you've been cleared.

• ✓ Complete the BOP visitor questionnaire and release form (BP-A0629) when it is provided to you.
• ✓ Read the warnings on the form closely and answer every question truthfully and completely.
• ✓ Be ready to provide any missing information if the institution says it is needed to process your request.

Treat the visitor form like a legal document, because it is one. If you leave out essential information, the form states that your request may receive no further consideration until you provide what's missing, and you may not be considered for admittance as a visitor. Fill it out accurately. It protects you and helps the institution make a clearance decision, which you need before you can visit.

Once you believe you've been added and cleared, double-check the current MCC Chicago visiting details before heading out. That means visiting hours, how scheduling works, what ID you'll need, and any facility-specific rules for the visiting room. The institution controls final approval and day-of entry, so checking the official MCC Chicago information right before your trip can save you a wasted drive.