How to Schedule a Visit at SCI Albion: 2‑Day vs. 3‑Day Notice and What to Do

Trying to schedule a visit at SCI Albion? You might hit a confusing snag. One PA DOC page says,

1. Sign in through Keystone Login - IVS uses Keystone Login to verify your identity, so you’ll need to log in that way to get into the system.
2. Open the Inmate Visitation System (IVS) - once you’re authenticated, go into IVS to manage your visitor access.
3. Find your loved one and try to schedule - select the person you want to visit and attempt to book the visit time the system offers.

If IVS won't let you schedule a visit that seems to fit the "2-day" rule on the PA DOC website, confirm the current practice before making the trip. The DOC advises contacting the facility where your loved one is housed for scheduling questions. Can't get a quick answer from the facility? Email Central Office at RA-CRDOCINMATEVSS@pa.gov. Keep your message simple: state the date you're trying to book, explain what IVS is or isn't letting you do, and ask which advance-notice rule applies right now.

If Inside Window

• ✓ Log into IVS through Keystone Login and attempt to schedule the visit anyway.
• ✓ If you’re within a few days of the visit, re-check IVS for any newly available times (openings can happen when other visits are canceled).
• ✓ If you’re trying to plan further out, remember IVS won’t let you schedule more than 60 days in advance - so pick the earliest date the system allows and work from there.

1. Call the facility where your loved one is housed - explain that you’re trying to schedule inside the 2–3 day window and IVS is not allowing the booking.
2. Email Central Office if you still can’t get a clear answer - use RA-CRDOCINMATEVSS@pa.gov and include the date/time you’re trying to schedule and what message or restriction you’re seeing in IVS.
3. Ask directly about any short-notice options - specifically, whether there are any local exceptions or any way to take an opening caused by a cancellation.

IVS sends automatic email notifications when something changes - whether it's your account status, a scheduled visit, or a cancellation. Make sure the email tied to your IVS account is one you actually check. That's how you'll hear about last-minute changes.