What to Do If Your MDOC Visiting Application Takes Longer Than 4 Weeks

If you submitted your visiting application online, it goes through MiLogin. MDOC’s timeline for processing can take up to 4 weeks, so an application that’s still pending at week two or three can be normal. The key thing to know with online submissions is how you’ll hear back: MDOC sends a response to your email once your application is processed, letting you know whether you can visit. If you’re past the 4-week mark, you’re not “doing it wrong” - it’s just time to switch from waiting to checking a few common hold-ups.

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• ✓ Check the email account you used for MiLogin (and your spam/junk folder) for the processed-application response.
• ✓ If you mailed your application, make sure the mailing address you provided is correct, since the response comes back by mail.
• ✓ Confirm with the prisoner that you’ve been added to their Visiting List (if you’re not sure, ask them to add you).

If you didn’t apply online, remember there’s a mail option for the CAJ-103 MDOC Visiting Application. A proposed visitor can submit the CAJ-103 through the Department’s approved electronic visiting application process or by U.S. mail. When you mail it, it goes to the facility where the prisoner is located - and the facility mails you the response after the application is processed. That’s why MDOC requires you to include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your mailed application: it’s what the facility uses to send the decision back to you. Without that envelope, even a processed application can turn into a long wait with no clear update.

If your application seems stalled and you’re not getting answers through the facility, you can also try MDOC’s public contacts for general inquiries. MDOC Central Office can be reached at 517-335-1426, and the Parole Board can be reached at 517-373-0270.

If you suspect a mailed application was lost (or the response never made it back to you), resubmitting may be faster than waiting indefinitely. The CAJ-103 MDOC Visiting Application can be submitted through the Department’s approved electronic visiting application process or by U.S. mail. When possible, the electronic route removes a lot of the “where did it go?” risk that comes with mailing paperwork back and forth. If you do need to mail it again, send it to the facility where the prisoner is housed and include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the facility can mail you the decision once processing is complete.

1. Confirm how you applied - Think back to whether you submitted through MiLogin (online) or sent the CAJ-103 by U.S. mail.
2. If mail seems likely to be the problem, use the electronic process if you can - The CAJ-103 can be submitted via the Department’s approved electronic visiting application process, which avoids waiting on mail delivery in both directions.
3. If you must mail it again, include the required return envelope - Mail the application to the facility where the prisoner is located and include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the facility can mail the response to you.
4. If the delay continues, escalate your question - Reach out to MDOC Central Office (517-335-1426) or the Parole Board (517-373-0270) if your application still appears stuck after you’ve verified the basics.

Once you’re approved and you’re on the prisoner’s Approved Visitor List, you may be able to request a video visit once the facility where the prisoner is housed has begun online scheduling. Video visits are scheduled as 20-minute visits and cost $3.20, with payment made in advance by the person scheduling. Timing matters for video visits: scheduling is allowed no more than 7 days in advance, and not after 48 hours before the visit.