How to Apply for Visitor Approval at Sussex Correctional Institution (step-by-step)

Everyone needs approval before visiting - adults and minors alike. You'll submit your application online through the DOC public website, and the Central Visitation Unit (CVU) handles the review. Adults complete the Adult Visitor Application and Background Investigation Authorization (851_F1). For minors, it's the Minor Visitor Application and Background Investigation Authorization (851_F6).

Bringing a child? Their paperwork gets attached to an adult's application - you can't submit it separately. The minor will also need to visit with a parent, legal guardian, or another accompanying adult who's already approved.

After you submit, CVU reviews your application and runs a Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) background check on anyone 15 or older. This takes time, so don't plan your trip until you've been approved.

Applying and scheduling are separate steps. Submit your visitor application online first, then wait for CVU approval. Only after you're approved can you visit.

• ✓ Visits may be scheduled up to 14 days in advance.
• ✓ Visitors are permitted a maximum of one visit per weekend.

Here's the key detail for minors: you don't submit a child's application on its own. Instead, attach it to an adult application when you apply online and follow the prompts to add the minor.

Minors can't visit alone. They must come with a parent, legal guardian, or another approved adult. If the minor is immediate family, they'll be approved for contact visits.

Your approval doesn't last forever. Visitor applications expire three years after the approval date, so you'll need to renew if you want to keep visiting.

1. Check your approval date - visitor approvals expire three years after approval, so you’ll want to know when yours ends.
2. Submit a new online application at least 45 days before expiration (in-state) - that timing is recommended to keep your visitation privileges from being interrupted.

1. Check your approval date - visitor approvals expire three years after approval, so you’ll want to know when yours ends.
2. Submit a new online application at least 90 days before expiration (out-of-state) - out-of-state renewals should be sent earlier to avoid an interruption in visiting privileges.