How Long Will It Take to Get Approved to Visit Someone at Stafford Creek?

Washington DOC publishes two different time estimates. The prison-visits page says applications may take up to 45 business days, unless additional review is needed. The DOC FAQ puts it at approximately 50 business days from submission (business days exclude weekends and holidays). Either way, expect a wait that stretches several weeks - and sometimes longer if your application gets flagged for extra review.

Even a complete application isn't always smooth sailing. DOC notes that some applications require additional review, and when that happens, the timeline can stretch past the standard estimate.

Volume plays a role too. The DOC FAQ mentions a high volume of applications and frames current processing at roughly 50 business days, while the prison-visits page sticks with "up to 45 business days" (plus the additional-review caveat). The takeaway? Backlogs happen. Treat the posted timeframe as a best-case range, not a guaranteed date.

Resist the urge to reapply while you wait. DOC is explicit: submitting a second application for the same visitor voids the first one and restarts the clock. Submit once, then wait for the approval email before booking travel or making plans you can't change.

Applications are handled first-come, first-served, so someone who applied after you won't jump the line. Once your application is processed, DOC sends notification by email - that's the main place to watch for updates.

• ✓ Check the email account you used on the application (and your spam/junk folder) for the processing notice.
• ✓ Give it the full published window before you assume something went wrong (DOC cites up to 45 business days on the prison-visits page, and about 50 business days on the FAQ).
• ✓ Keep in mind that “additional review” can push your timeline past the standard estimate.

If your wait has clearly gone beyond DOC's current estimate, start with the facility. DOC's guidance: contact Stafford Creek and ask for visit staff. If you leave a voicemail, include the incarcerated person's six-digit DOC number and a brief summary of why you're calling so staff can route it correctly.

If the facility can't resolve your question, DOC says to contact the Statewide Visit Unit. Include the incarcerated individual's name and six-digit DOC number in the subject line - those details help them find the right record faster.

1. Wait through the published processing window - use DOC’s stated estimate (up to 45 business days on the prison-visits page, and about 50 business days on the FAQ) as your baseline.
2. Call the facility and ask for visit staff - if you leave a voicemail, include the incarcerated person’s six-digit DOC number and a brief summary of the issue.
3. Escalate to the Statewide Visit Unit if needed - if the facility can’t resolve it, contact the Statewide Visit Unit and include the incarcerated individual’s name and six-digit DOC number in your subject line.

Practical Tips

• ✓ Watch your email regularly (including spam/junk), since DOC says notifications are sent by email when your application is processed.
• ✓ Apply once and only once - sending a second application voids the first and restarts the clock.
• ✓ Don’t lock in nonrefundable travel or time-off plans until you’ve received the approval email.
• ✓ Keep the incarcerated person’s six-digit DOC number handy so you can include it if you need to leave a message for visit staff.