Ionia Correctional Facility Family & Friends Information

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Ionia Correctional Facility Visitation Information, Instructions and Schedules

All facilities in the Michigan Department of Corrections allow both in-person and remote video visitation with inmates.  

We will first lay out the instructions for in-person visitation:

Step 1 - Inmate's Responsibility

Each inmate must create a list of immediate family members, and no more than ten other friends who will be allowed to go through the approval process for visitation. A grandparent, parent, stepparent, spouse, mother-in-law, father-in-law, child, step-child, grandchild, sibling, half-sibling, stepbrother, and stepsister. An aunt or uncle may be included if adequate verification is provided that they served as a surrogate parent. 

Step 2 - Application Process

Those persons the prisoner has placed on his/her visiting list must complete a Visiting Application (CAJ-103) to request approval to visit. The Visiting Application must be MAILED in advance to the facility Mailroom or Information Desk where the prisoner is currently housed to allow for review of the Application. You MUST include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the approval/denial can be mailed back to you. 

These are the mailing addresses for Ionia Correctional Facility and the other 30 Michigan DOC prisons.

Step 3 - General Guidelines

It is recommended that while you are awaiting approval that you read and understand the visitation guidelines for this facility.

You must also understand the Visiting Standards - ENGLISH  - SPANISH

Step 4 - The Visit

Once you are approved, you can make arrangement to schedule a visit.  Here are the in-person Visitation Schedules.

Maximum Number of Visits per Month

Level I: Eight per month
Level II: Seven per month
Level IV (GP and Protection): Five per month
Level V (GP and Protection): Four per month
Segregation (Administrative) Four per month
RSAT Parolees: Seven per month


REMOTE VIDEO VISITATION - The same application as outlined above must be filled out and approved for video visits

Ionia Correctional Facility offers Video Visitation for Inmates using the Services of GTL, aka ViaPath Techologies

In order to schedule and then visit an inmate using GTL you need to first register with GTL.

Next Steps:

  • Register yourself and all visitors.
  • Select Ionia Correctional Facility
  • Select your inmate.
  • Schedule your preferred time for the visit.

For at-home video visits: Sign in to the visitation scheduling site 15 minutes prior to your scheduled visit. Test your connection, and follow the steps to start your visit.
For on-site video visits: Arrive at the facility at least 15 minutes prior to check-in. A valid photo ID is required. 

All your questions can be answered after you register, at the Frequently Asked Questions page, or call 855-466-2832 during the following hours:
6AM – 4PM MST Monday – Friday, or 
7AM – 4PM MST Saturday – Sunday

Costs for Visits are subject to change but generally run less than $10.00 for a 30 minute visit.
Payment can be made with Visa, Mastercard debit, credit or gift cards.

Scheduling: All individuals who are approved to visit are required to schedule an appointment using the GTL Scheduler before visiting a prisoner.  Visitors are required to schedule the visit at least 72 hours prior to the visit, but not more than 7 days prior to the visit.  A maximum of FIVE visitors may visit a prisoner at one time.  The duration of a visit shall not exceed two hours.  The MDOC recommends visitors arrive at the facility 30 minutes before their scheduled visit.

Visitors may schedule up to one visit every two days, but can schedule two visits for the same day.