Your first video visit with someone at SCI Somerset: step-by-step setup and joining guide
Your first PA DOC video visit comes down to two things: setting up your IVS account and joining the Zoom call on time. This guide covers both, step by step.
Before you can schedule a video visit with someone at SCI Somerset, you need to register with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Visitation System (IVS). IVS uses Keystone Login to verify your identity, so setting up your Keystone account is required. When you register, enter your legal name, date of birth, and address exactly as they appear on official documents. IVS checks this information against the authorized visitor list. Any mismatch can delay your ability to schedule.
- ✓ Have a Keystone Login you can sign into, since IVS uses it to verify your identity.
- ✓ Stick to one IVS account per person. Do not create duplicates; if you forgot your password, use the reset option instead.
- Confirm you have a Keystone Login - IVS uses Keystone Login to verify your identity, so you will need working credentials.
- Sign in with Keystone and connect it to IVS - use your Keystone username and password to access IVS.
- Avoid duplicate accounts - if you cannot log in, reset your password rather than creating a new IVS account. Multiple accounts can impact approval and scheduling.
- Register in IVS with accurate personal information - use your legal name, date of birth, and address exactly, since IVS uses it to validate that you are on the authorized visitor list.
- Schedule your visit inside IVS - all video (and in-person) visits must be scheduled in advance through the PA DOC Inmate Visitation System.
PA DOC video visits run through Zoom. Install the Zoom Cloud Meetings app on your phone or tablet, or use Zoom on a computer. When it's time to join, you can either click the Video Call URL you received or manually enter the meeting ID and password. Both methods work fine, so pick whichever feels easier on your device.
- ✓ Make sure your device camera and microphone work.
- ✓ Allow Zoom permission to use your camera and microphone.
- ✓ Test your audio and video before your scheduled start time.
You can join the video visit up to 5 minutes before the scheduled start time. Try earlier than that, and you may be blocked from joining. Keep an eye on the email linked to your IVS account. IVS sends automatic notifications when there are status changes to your account or visits.
Plan for a 45-minute session. When time is up, end the call promptly so you do not run into issues with the system timing out or cutting off unexpectedly.
Troubleshooting
- ✓ If you did not get the visit email, check the email address connected to your IVS account (and your spam/junk folder). IVS sends automatic email notifications for visit and account status changes.
- ✓ If your scheduling or approval seems delayed, double-check that your IVS registration details match your legal information. Mismatches can delay validation against the authorized visitor list.
- ✓ Do not create a second IVS account to “start over.” Reset your password instead, since duplicate accounts can impact approval and scheduling.
- ✓ If you cannot be seen or heard, open your device settings and make sure Zoom has permission for the camera and microphone.
- ✓ If Zoom is acting glitchy, restart your device and try joining again using the Video Call URL or the meeting ID and password.
- ✓ If problems continue, uninstall and reinstall the Zoom Cloud Meetings app, then re-join using the same URL or meeting details.
Note: IVS requires visits to be scheduled at least 3 days in advance and no more than 60 days out. Rules can change, so confirm the current scheduling window inside IVS before you pick your dates.
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