How Many People Can Be on an Inmate's Visiting List (Massachusetts rules applied to MCI‑Framingham)

Your name has to be on your loved one's pre-approved visiting list before you can visit. Staff check that list at the door, so don't just show up on visiting day hoping for the best. Make sure you're approved first. Massachusetts DOC also caps how many people can be on the list at one time, and the maximum depends on the inmate's security level.

• ✓ Maximum security: up to 8 pre-approved visitors
• ✓ Medium security: up to 8 pre-approved visitors

• ✓ Minimum security / pre-release: up to 10 pre-approved visitors

Once you're on the list, it doesn't change on a whim. Under Massachusetts DOC rules, an inmate's visitor list may be revised up to three times per year. That limit matters if your loved one is juggling limited spots, like adding a new support person while keeping close family members listed.

1. Ask your loved one to add you to their pre-approved list. It’s the inmate’s responsibility to submit each visitor’s name to the institution.
2. Complete a Visitor Application Form if required. Once it’s filled out, it must be mailed to the specific institution you plan to visit.
3. Wait for approval before planning a trip. You generally cannot visit until you are on the pre-approved visiting list.

If your loved one needs more visitors than the standard limit for their security level, there is an official path. The inmate can request an exception, and the Superintendent can grant it with written approval. You'll need to work through the institution's process so the request gets reviewed and documented properly.