ATC can sometimes assign you to "Track outbound/inbound" on the approach once reaching the IAF without explicitly clearing you for the approach. You will most commonly see this when going into an uncontrolled field (US) where they are withholding an approach clearance due to departing IFR traffic, but don't anticipate a delay in your arrival. Since they can't explicitly clear you for the approach, many controllers will have aircraft follow the published approach (full procedure) but only clear the aircraft once the departing traffic has been positively identified and one-in, one-out is satisfied. I've received approach clearances as late as 1nm outside the FAF in such situations before.