How to Apply for Visitation at Virginia Corrections Facility For Women — Complete Timeline
Getting approved to visit someone at Virginia Corrections Facility For Women takes planning—especially your first time. Here's the exact application process, what Central Visitation reviews, how long approval typically takes, and how to renew before your privileges lapse.
Every visitor - adult or minor - must be approved through the Virginia Department of Corrections Central Visitation Unit before visiting. Adults submit the Adult Visitor Application and Background Investigation Authorization (Form 851_F1). Minors submit the Minor Visitor Application and Background Investigation Authorization (Form 851_F6). Both forms go through the DOC public website, and you won't be allowed to visit until Central Visitation gives the green light.
Central Visitation Checks
- ✓ VCIN background check (for visitors age 15 and over)
- ✓ Check for suspended visitors
- ✓ Check of the VACORIS database
Expect 45 to 90 days for approval as a new visitor. Most of that time goes toward the background check and application review. Incomplete applications can add delays. If you're hoping to visit on a specific weekend or around a meaningful date, submit your application as early as possible.
- ✓ Expect the review to take time: new applications typically take 45–90 days to approve
- ✓ Background checks are part of the process, including VCIN checks for visitors age 15+
- ✓ If you have a prior suspended-visitor record that matches, it can slow review while it’s verified
- ✓ VACORIS database checks are also part of the review
- ✓ Fill out the online application carefully and completely so it doesn’t get held up for missing information
Once approved, you'll create a VisManager (Visitation Scheduler) account. You'll receive email confirmations as your application moves through the process. Your approval must be finalized before you can schedule an in-person visit.
When you're ready to schedule, keep two limits in mind: visits can be booked up to 14 days in advance, and you're allowed one visit per weekend.
Your approval doesn't last forever. Visitor applications expire three years after the approval date. To keep visiting without interruption, submit a new application before that deadline.
- ✓ Check your approval date and plan ahead - applications expire three years after approval
- ✓ If you live in Virginia, submit your renewed visitor application online at least 45 days before it expires to avoid an interruption
- ✓ If you live out of state, submit your renewed visitor application online at least 90 days before it expires to avoid an interruption
- Confirm you submitted the correct online form - Adults must use Form 851_F1 and minors must use Form 851_F6, and both are submitted online for Central Visitation Unit approval.
- Give the process time - Central Visitation review includes multiple checks (including VCIN for visitors age 15+), so it can take time to complete.
- Correct and resubmit if needed - If you find an error or missing information in what you submitted, fix it and submit an updated application so Central Visitation can complete review.
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