Have definately used this phrase, almost on a daily basis. If an a/c requests a visual app but you can't release him own nav at that time, then 'continue heading ... descend visually' or words to that effect are used by most at my unit. Then when whatever was restricting the app is sorted 'C/S cleared vis app rwy ...no descent restriction' The no restriction bit may not be necessary but confirms the new clearance and prevents the inevitable 'can we descend too ?'
Care to share where that is?
The reason that I wanted to see whether this was normal, is out of concerns for lost comms etc. If a guy is only given a "descend visually", without a specific altitude or alternate instructions, if he loses comms, then enters IMC or decides to abort/etc, there is little he can do to be sure as to what the controller expected him to do. Sure he can reference MSAs and in these days of GPS it's a lot easier to find one's way than it was, but still. With a specific altitude, at least he's guaranteed some clearance. Wouldn't yee experienced folk agree?