35. With regards to stage 2 audits, FAQs #8 & #24 are clear that only 30% may be done remote using ICT. There is nothing that states a certificate cannot be issued and then the remaining audit duration completed later after issue of the certificate.
If the question relates to an initial certification stage 2 audit, there are no alleviations for the initial certification process and the CB should not make a certification decision until the on-site Stage 2 activities are completed and there is sufficient evidence of conformance to support the conclusion that the certificate should be issued. If the question relates to a recertification audit the answer is: It depends – refer to Question #1.