1. Each application file shall be stored in the VIS for a maximum of five years, without prejudice to the deletion referred to in Articles 24 and 25 and to the keeping of records referred to in Article 34.
That period shall start:
(a)
on the expiry date of the visa, if a visa has been issued;
(b)
on the new expiry date of the visa, if a visa has been extended;
(c)
on the date of the creation of the application file in the VIS, if the application has been withdrawn, closed or discontinued;
(d)
on the date of the decision of the visa authority if a visa has been refused, annulled, shortened or revoked.
2. Upon expiry of the period referred to in paragraph 1, the VIS shall automatically delete the application file and the link(s) to this file as referred to in Article 8(3) and (4).