How to Schedule Your First Visit at SCI Cambridge Springs (IVS step-by-step)

All visits at SCI Cambridge Springs - in-person contact visits and video visits alike - must be scheduled through the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Visitation System (IVS). This is where you'll create your visitor account, connect to the person you're visiting, and pick a time slot. If you're unsure about any step, the PA DOC Visitor Guide has the official details.

1. Start with Keystone Login - IVS uses Keystone Login to verify your identity, so you’ll create an account there first (or sign in if you already have one).
2. Create your IVS account using your real information - Use your legal name and accurate personal details (like your date of birth and address). Your information needs to match you as an authorized visitor.
3. Stick to one account - Each authorized visitor should have only one IVS account. If you forget your password, reset it instead of creating a new account; multiple accounts can affect approval and your ability to schedule.
4. Add minors the right way - If children will participate, add them under the parent/guardian’s account rather than trying to create separate accounts for them.
5. Confirm you can add the inmate - Before you can schedule, you’ll need to be able to add the incarcerated person to your IVS account, which only works if you’re already on their authorized visitor list.

• ✓ I’m using one IVS account (no duplicates)
• ✓ If I forgot my password, I’m resetting it instead of creating a new account
• ✓ My name and personal details are entered consistently and accurately
• ✓ Any children visiting are added under the parent/guardian account

Before you can schedule anything, you need to be on the incarcerated person's Authorized Visitors List. Without that approval, IVS won't let you add them to your account or see available time slots. Not sure if you're approved? Check with your loved one about their visitor list before you start making travel plans.

Plan to schedule a few days ahead. PA DOC guidance varies slightly - one page says at least two days in advance, another says three. Either way, don't try to book a next-day visit. On the other end, you can't schedule more than 60 days out. If you're coordinating work schedules, childcare, or travel, keep that window in mind so you're not searching for dates the system won't show yet.

1. Log into IVS - Use your Keystone Login credentials to access your IVS visitor account.
2. Make sure your loved one is added to your account - You can only schedule after you’ve successfully added the incarcerated person, which requires you to be on their authorized visitor list.
3. Choose the visit type - IVS is used for both in-person contact visits and video visits.
4. Pick an available date and time - Select from the open time slots shown in the system.
5. Submit the request to schedule - Once you confirm, your visit is scheduled through IVS. If you’re choosing video, remember those visits are free for visitors.

Watch the email address tied to your IVS account. If the facility cancels a visit, that's where you'll be notified. Any updates about your scheduled visits will come to that inbox too.

Common Account Mistakes

• ✓ Creating a second IVS account instead of resetting your password (duplicates can affect approval and scheduling)
• ✓ Entering personal details inconsistently across accounts or forms
• ✓ Trying to schedule before you’re on the inmate’s Authorized Visitors List
• ✓ Bringing children to a visit without a DC-313 on file for them

Having trouble with IVS? Contact SCI Cambridge Springs first - they handle facility-specific scheduling issues. You can also email PA DOC Central Office at RA-CRDOCINMATEVSS@pa.gov. Include the email on your IVS account plus your loved one's name and ID number so staff can find the right record quickly.