Treaties regulate the length of the visa. For example, the Schenegn treaty regulates how long any non-national can be in a Schenegn participating country. The Schenegn treaty dictates that a non-national tourist travelling in a Schengen participating country can only be in the country for 90 days.
Several types of visas are issued without a closing date. These visas grant an indefinite stay for non-nationals. These visas are most commonly issued as a marriage visa, student visa or work visa. The closing dates of these visas are often determined by an external contract; for example, a marriage license, work contract or student admission letter. In these cases, the closing date will be determined if any of these external contracts are terminated or become void.
Another factor that is taken into consideration is legal regulations. If the visa applicant has a criminal record, or previously overstayed a visa in any country, this will effect the closing date of the visa.
Countries with stricter travel regulations will only grant visas to non-nationals that are with a travel group on a strict itinerary. Some countries will allow exceptions for non-nationals who are visiting family or close friends. In both cases, a sponsor application is required in the visa process. The sponsor must provide a statement and an itinerary of the non-national's planned stay. The length of the visa will be determined by the sponsor's itinerary and statement.
In most cases, the immigration officer will make the final decision on the length of the visa. Generally, the visa will be issued with a closing date prior to the non-national reaching the port of entry. However, the immigration officer at the port of entry will make the final decision on what is the appropriate closing date for the visa. Some factors that can cause a change in the closing date are the planned itinerary, insufficient funds, or suspicion of criminal activity.
