The Possibility of Extending a Visa's Validity
The expiry of a visa does not always mean an immediate departure from the country — but the right of extension under the law operates through a precisely defined list. Under Article 9 of the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens, an alien staying in Georgia may request the extension of only short-term diplomatic and special visas, and of D3 and D5 category immigration visas, provided he continues to satisfy the conditions on which the visa was issued. Holders of other visa categories must therefore plan their departure before expiry or look for another legal route. When a D5 visa is extended, the alien is relieved of the obligation to submit a fresh valuation of the market value of the immovable property, while the right to extend a D3 visa belongs to persons coming to conduct research at an authorized educational institution and to persons coming to study within international programs, where the ground of extension does not provide for their staying in Georgia for more than 3 months.