How to Schedule Your First Visit at SCI Cambridge Springs (IVS / Keystone login)

You can't just show up at SCI Cambridge Springs and expect to get in. PA DOC requires you to schedule both contact (in-person) and video visits ahead of time using the Inmate Visitation System (IVS). To use IVS, you'll sign in through Keystone Login - the state's account system that verifies your identity. Haven't set up Keystone yet? That's your first step before you can do anything else in IVS.

1. Create (or sign in to) your Keystone Login account - IVS uses Keystone Login, so you’ll need a working Keystone username and password to get started.
2. Register your visitor profile in IVS - once you’re signed in through Keystone, follow the prompts in IVS to set up your visitor account.
3. Use an email address you check regularly - IVS sends visit-related updates by email, so don’t use an old or rarely-checked inbox.
4. Stick to one account per visitor - each visitor should only have one account; creating multiple accounts can interfere with approval and scheduling.
5. Make sure you’re eligible to schedule - even with an IVS account, you still must be on the inmate’s authorized visitor list before IVS will let you schedule a visit.

IVS won't let you schedule until you're on the inmate's authorized visitor list. That list is separate from creating your IVS/Keystone account - both pieces need to be in place. If you're visiting for the first time, confirm that the incarcerated person has added you as an approved visitor before troubleshooting the website. Also note: when children are participating, a DC-313 must be present for them.

Here's where it gets confusing: official sources don't agree on how far in advance you need to book. The IVS site says visits must be scheduled at least 3 days in advance, while a PA DOC service page says 2 days. Because those timeframes conflict, plan ahead and verify the current minimum for SCI Cambridge Springs before picking a date - especially if you're trying to book something soon.

On the other end, IVS won't let you schedule too far out. The system does not allow visits to be scheduled beyond 60 days in advance. If you're trying to plan months ahead, you'll need to wait until your preferred date falls inside that window.

Once your Keystone login works, your IVS account is set up, and you're on the authorized visitor list, you're ready to schedule. In IVS, choose the type of visit - contact (in-person) or video - and select from available options. For SCI Cambridge Springs, IVS is the required method. Your visit isn't considered booked until it's scheduled there.

Keep an eye on the email address tied to your IVS account. If the facility cancels a visit, IVS sends a notification to that address. Video-visit details also arrive by email. If you change emails, update your IVS account so you don't miss a cancellation notice or other time-sensitive updates.

Locked out or can't sign in? The Keystone Login Help Desk handles Keystone account issues like password resets. They can't fix IVS-specific problems, though. Anything about visitor approval, scheduling, or what you see inside IVS has to go through the facility where your loved one is housed.

For IVS questions - like not being able to add the inmate, not seeing scheduling options, or needing help with a booked visit - contact SCI Cambridge Springs directly. And since IVS communicates changes by email (including cancellations), double-check that the email on your IVS account is current and that you're checking it regularly.

Quick Checklist

• ✓ My Keystone Login works (I can sign in)
• ✓ My IVS account is created and tied to an email I check
• ✓ I’m on the inmate’s authorized visitor list (and any required paperwork for children is in place)
• ✓ I’m watching my email for IVS updates or cancellations
• ✓ I’m booking within IVS’s allowed window (not more than 60 days out)