That very much depends on the clearance,
“DESCEND VIA”
“DESCEND UNRESTRICTED”
“DESCEND AND MAINTAIN”
“DESCEND TO 3000 FEET CANCEL LEVEL AND SPEED RESTRICTIONS’’
Doc 4444 - PANS-ATM reference
6.5.2.4.1 Clearances to aircraft on a STAR with remaining published, level and/or speed restrictions shall indicate if such restrictions are to be followed or are cancelled. The following phraseologies shall be used with the following meaning:
c) DESCEND VIA STAR TO (level), CANCEL LEVEL RESTRICTION(S) AT (point(s)):
i) descend to the cleared level, published level restriction(s) at the specified point(s) are cancelled;
ii) follow the lateral profile of the STAR; and
iii) comply with published speed restrictions or ATC-issued speed control instructions as applicable.
The only reason for this question is because some lazy or trying to be slick ATC is not using standard phraseology.
The OP is talking about approach clearances, not STAR clearances.