"Peter Duniho" wrote:
If the aircraft isn't flying IFR, I don't see how ATC *can* give a
"clearance for the approach". As far as I know, there's no mechanism under
VFR to receive an instrument clearance. I realize that a controller may
offer IFR-like handling to facilitate the practice approach, but just as the
approach isn't a real instrument approach, neither is the handling a real
clearance.

It's completely routine to get "Cleared practice ILS-16, maintain VFR at
all times". That's a clearance in the full sense of the word, which is to
say they are providing separation services.

Sometimes, NY Approach will be too busy to provide you separation, but
doesn't mind if you fly the approach on your own. In that case, they'll
say something like, "Proceed as requested, no separation services
provided". That is NOT a clearance.