How to Apply for Visitation at Sussex Corrections Institution, VA: Step-by-Step
Visiting someone at Sussex Corrections Institution starts with an online application reviewed by the Virginia DOC Central Visitation Unit. Once you know what to submit and what they're looking for, the process becomes much more manageable.
Everyone needs approval before visiting someone at Sussex Corrections Institution - adults and minors alike. You'll submit your application online through the Virginia DOC public website. Adults use the Adult Visitor Application and Background Investigation Authorization (851_F1); minors use the Minor Visitor Application and Background Investigation Authorization (851_F6). The Central Visitation Unit must approve you before staff will allow a visit.
Submit your application online through the Virginia DOC public website. It won't go directly to Sussex for a quick sign-off - instead, it routes to the Central Visitation Unit for review. You'll need that approval before you can visit. Applications can sit in review for a while, so apply (or renew) well ahead of when you're hoping to visit.
The Central Visitation Unit reviews every visitor application and runs several checks before deciding whether to approve you for visitation.
- ✓ VCIN background checks on visitors age 15 and older
- ✓ A check of suspended visitors
- ✓ A VACORIS database check
Note: Small mistakes can slow this down. Use accurate, complete information so the Central Visitation Unit can match your application to their database checks without extra back-and-forth.
Visitor approvals expire three years after the approval date. When yours is up, you'll need to submit a new application online to renew your visitation privileges.
- ✓ In-state visitors: submit your renewal application at least 45 days before your expiration date
- ✓ Out-of-state visitors: submit your renewal application at least 90 days before your expiration date
Practical Tips
- ✓ Use your legal name exactly as it appears on your government-issued ID when you fill out the online application
- ✓ Make sure the information on your ID matches what you submit (name, identifying details) so the review checks don’t stall
- ✓ Don’t wait until the last minute to renew - aim for at least 45 days (in-state) or 90 days (out-of-state) before expiration
- ✓ Before you hit submit, re-check every field for typos and missing information
Reminder: You must be approved by the Central Visitation Unit before you can visit. Clean, accurate application details help their background and database checks move faster.
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