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

SCI Greene uses Pennsylvania DOC's Inmate Visitation System (IVS) for both in-person and video visits. Every visit must be scheduled ahead of time through IVS, and you'll sign in with a Keystone Login - that's how the system verifies your identity. Never used Keystone before? Plan for a quick account setup first. Then you can add your loved one and pick a visit time.

Keystone Create

• ✓ Create your Keystone Login so you can access IVS
• ✓ Enter your personal information carefully (full legal name, date of birth, address) and use an email address you can check
• ✓ Set your password and complete any account verification prompts you’re given
• ✓ Sign in to IVS using your Keystone Login to confirm your account is working

Take the "enter your info" step seriously. IVS uses Keystone Login to verify your identity, so mismatched or incomplete details can cause problems when you try to connect your account to an incarcerated person or schedule a visit. Use your legal name and a reliable email address - IVS messages, including any changes to your visit, go to that email.

Before you can schedule a visit, you need to add the incarcerated person to your IVS account. Here's the catch: you must already be on that inmate's authorized visitors list. If you're not on the list, IVS won't let you complete the "add inmate" step. Get the authorized list issue resolved first, then come back to IVS to add them and schedule.

Bringing a child? A DC-313 form must be on file for that child before they can visit. Handle this early if you're planning to include kids - it'll save you a headache later when you're trying to finalize your visit.

IVS requires visits to be scheduled in advance, with limits on how early you can book. The system shows that visits must be scheduled at least 3 days ahead and no more than 60 days out. Pennsylvania's website lists the minimum as 2 days in advance. Since those sources don't match, use IVS as your real-time guide. The calendar in your account will show what's actually available and whether you're within the minimum lead-time window.

1. Sign in to IVS with your Keystone Login - all SCI Greene in-person and video visits are scheduled in advance through IVS.
2. Select the incarcerated person you want to visit - you’ll only be able to schedule if they’re already added to your account.
3. Choose the visit type, date, and time - pick either in-person or video, then select from the open time slots.
4. Confirm you’re within the scheduling window - IVS states visits must be scheduled at least 3 days in advance and no more than 60 days ahead, while another PA source says at least 2 days; the IVS calendar will show what it will accept.
5. Finish the booking and watch your email - IVS uses the email on your account for updates, including cancellations.

Planning an in-person visit? SCI Greene allows up to 4 authorized visitors per visit. If you're coordinating with family members, make sure everyone attending is on the authorized list - and keep your headcount to four.

Video visits allow a larger group - up to 6 authorized visitors can participate at SCI Greene. You schedule them through IVS the same way as in-person visits. If you're trying to include more relatives or split time between households, video can make that easier. Just make sure everyone is authorized.

If the facility cancels your visit, IVS will send an email notification. Keep an eye on the inbox connected to your IVS account - and check spam or junk folders if you're not seeing messages, especially as your visit date approaches.

For IVS questions specific to SCI Greene - like issues tied to your loved one's status - contact the facility directly. For general inmate visitation questions, you can email Central Office at ra-crdocinmatevss@pa.gov.