There's a distinction between being "IFR" and "IMC".

IFR just means you're flying under controller direction for separation
purposes. If the field is visual but with low clouds, you'll usually
get a straight in approach, but if that lines up with a downwind
runway, ATC may authorize a "circle to land" approach. Once you're
flying visually, you have to fit into the ongoing pattern. If the
field is controlled, that means tower direction and you typically call
tower 5 miles out. If the field is uncontrolled, you call the local
CTAF when ATC turns you loose to do that and then if the field is
under VFR rules you have to fit into the existing traffic flow.