I think what Snipper is asking is whether he actually cleared to the destination airport if not specifically cleared for and assigned an approach around the time of wanting to do it. He thinks maybe he should not do an approach until getting assigned one, and should hold to sort things out. Is this a correct summary, Snipper?

If it is then I agree with Tony; just pick an approach suitable for the weather and fly it. You are cleared to the destination airport already. Particularly if not in a radar environment it is troublesome for ATC to have an aircraft flying holds somewhere when he is cleared for some approach.