How to Schedule a Visit at SCI Muncy: 2-Day vs. 3-Day Lead Time Explained

The confusion stems from two pieces of official guidance that don't match. One PA DOC IVS page says all visits must be scheduled at least two days in advance. The PA DOC IVS user guide says three days in advance (and covers other scheduling rules too). In practice, you can follow the "right" rule and still get blocked if the system is enforcing the other one for your time slot. Build in extra lead time whenever you can.

1. Create your IVS account: You must have an IVS account to schedule an in-person or video visit.
2. Use one account only: Stick with a single IVS account for you. Creating multiple accounts can impact your approval and your ability to schedule visits.
3. Verify your email and sign in: Use an email address you check regularly, because IVS uses it for visit-related messages and updates.

1. Make sure you are on the authorized visitors list: To add an inmate to your IVS account and schedule a visit, you must be on the inmate’s authorized visitors list. There are no exceptions.
2. Have the inmate submit the paperwork if needed: If you are not on the list yet, the next step is getting added through the inmate’s visitor list process.
3. Add the inmate in IVS and try scheduling: Once you are authorized, you can add the inmate to your IVS account and select an available time slot.

Sect Ifschedulingfails

• ✓ Pick a date that is farther out. Because the guidance conflicts (2 days vs. 3 days), try scheduling at least 3 days ahead if you can.
• ✓ Confirm you are still within the 60-day maximum scheduling window.
• ✓ Double-check that you are using one IVS account (multiple accounts can affect approval and scheduling).
• ✓ Make sure you are on the inmate’s authorized visitors list (without this, you cannot add the inmate to your IVS account or schedule).
• ✓ Try again after you have corrected any of the issues above.

Keep an eye on the email address tied to your IVS account. If SCI Muncy cancels a scheduled visit, IVS sends an automatic notification to that email. Checking it regularly is the fastest way to catch changes before you head out.

If you need to cancel, do it as early as possible. The minimum expectation is at least three days before the visit. Canceling further ahead keeps the schedule cleaner for you and everyone else trying to book through IVS.

Sect Bottom Checklist

• ✓ Schedule through IVS (you must have an IVS account to book).
• ✓ Use only one IVS account for you. Multiple accounts can impact approval and scheduling.
• ✓ Confirm you are on the inmate’s authorized visitors list. There are no exceptions for scheduling.
• ✓ Book within the 60-day window (IVS will not allow visits beyond 60 days out).
• ✓ For lead time, give yourself a buffer. Official guidance includes both a 2-day minimum and a 3-day minimum, so aiming for at least 3 days helps avoid IVS rejections.
• ✓ Watch the email linked to your IVS account for updates, including automatic cancellation emails if the facility cancels.

You'll see both "2 days in advance" and "3 days in advance" in PA DOC materials for IVS scheduling. To keep things simple, aim for at least three days ahead when you can. Let IVS be the final judge of what timing it will accept for your chosen slot.