Approach Clearance
“…cleared for approach”
execute the approach procedure of their choice
“…cleared ILS Runway 35 Right approach”
ATC wants to restrict the pilot to a specific approach.
“…cleared for VOR Runway 17 approach, circle to land Runway 23”
Circling approach
Approaches whose final approach segment is more than 30 degrees different from the landing runway alignment are always designated as circling approaches.
When cleared for an approach prior to reaching a holding fix, ATC expects the pilot to continue to the holding fix, along the feeder route associated with the fix, and then to the IAF.