Originally Posted by
WestCoastFlyr
Distance from clouds is only defined in terms of operating under VFR as far as I know. A circle to land maneuver is conducted under IFR, just like a visual approach. A visual approach does not require any distance from clouds in any type of airspace, just to remain clear. Only caveat would be if distance from clouds is required per your ops specs.
This^^^. A circling approach is a visual approach on an IFR flight plan. Having positive contact with the ground (runway) is not the same thing as VMC. Remain clear of clouds and maintain visual contact with runway.