What to Expect When You Schedule a Visit at NCCW: First-Come, First-Served and Timelines

At NCCW, you can’t request a visit at the last minute. Your visitation request has to be submitted at least seven days before the date you want. On the other end, you can plan ahead: visits may be scheduled up to four weeks out from the day you make the request. That window matters if you’re trying to coordinate travel, time off work, or multiple family members attending.

Visit slots at NCCW are assigned first-come, first-served. The earlier you submit your request, the better your chances of getting the day and time you want. Wait too long, and your first choice may already be gone.

After you submit your request, watch for an email - NDCS sends visit confirmations at least three days before the visit. That confirmation is your signal that the visit has been approved and scheduled, so don’t assume you’re set until you see it.

• ✓ Check your spam/junk folder for the confirmation email.
• ✓ Save the confirmation email so you can pull it up easily later.
• ✓ If you’re getting close to the three-day mark without a confirmation, be ready with alternate dates/times so you can adjust quickly.

1. Include backup dates and times on your request - since visits are first-come, first-served, staff may try to grant your second or third preference if your first choice is already filled.
2. Keep an eye on your email for approval - you should receive an email confirmation at least three days before the visit.
3. Follow up if you don’t get confirmation - if you’re within that three-day window and still don’t have an email, contact the facility to ask what your options are.

Before you spend time picking dates, make sure you’re eligible to schedule at all: you must be an approved visitor on the incarcerated person’s visiting list before you can set a visit. Also plan your group size. Up to four adult visitors are allowed at each in-person or virtual visit, so if more adults want to come, you’ll need to rotate who attends.

If you’re bringing kids, confirm the child limit ahead of time. The number of children allowed per visit may vary by facility, so NCCW is the right place to verify what they’ll allow for your session. One more detail that can save you time: if multiple people are attending the same visitation session, only one registration form needs to be completed for the group.

• ✓ Confirm you’re an approved visitor on the incarcerated person’s visiting list before you try to schedule.
• ✓ Verify the “up to four adults” limit for your visit and plan accordingly.
• ✓ Ask NCCW what child limit applies for visits at this facility.
• ✓ Confirm how the single registration form works when multiple people attend the same session, so you don’t duplicate paperwork.