Visual portion of an instrument approach. VMC doesn't apply to it. That was the point.

I don't believe the original question was referring to a restriction on a type rating...only the maneuver itself. Also, a circle to land maneuver has everything to do with remaining clear of clouds and maintaining visual contact with the runway. The whole maneuver is predicated on that.

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Then why is the title of the thread "Circle to land-VMC only"?
The first sentence from the OP talks about an interesting discussion he is having concerning this "restriction".

Of course maintaining a visual with the runway and remaining clear of clouds are critical for a circle to land maneuver, but if you do not have reported VMC conditions and you have this restriction on your license, you can not even begin the maneuver, even if you could guarantee those things.

This thread got off track quick. To answer the original question, you do not have to have cloud clearance requirements to conduct a circling maneuver unless required by your ops specs. VMC is defined by visibility, ceiling, and as mentioned cloud clearance requirements. The only definition of cloud clearance requirements is in FAR 91.155 which covers VFR flight rules. Because you are operating under IFR in a circle to land maneuver these do not apply. Bottom line, check your ops-specs. If they say that it is only "clear of clouds" for a circle to land maneuver, this is what is intended and is legal to do.

My comment wasn't directed at you. There were guys implying that a circle to land maneuver was in fact a visual approach. Just wanted to make clear that they are 2 different things.

This is a good discussion. As an Air Force pilot, here are the requirements for circling...

"If a circling approach is to be flown, the weather must be at or above both the published ceiling and visibility. Circling to land is a visual flight maneuver. When the instrument approach is completed, it is used to align the aircraft with the landing runway. After descending to circling minimum descent altitude and when the airport environment is in sight, determine if the ceiling and visibility are sufficient for performing the circling maneuver. The airport environment is considered the runways, its lights and markings, taxiways, hangars, and other buildings associated with the airport."
Air Force Manual 11-217Vol1

So as long as the WX (ceiling and vis) is at or above the mins, I can shoot the approach, and as long as I can keep the airport environment in sight, I can descend below MDA to intercept a normal glide path for landing. So the way I was taught, I don't need VMC conditions (1500/3 for USAF).

Thread post alibi...Please don't blast me for posting USAF criteria. LOL! Just wanted to contribute to the discussion.

If your type certificate states "Circle to Land VMC only", you haven't received the required training to conduct true circle to land approaches and are therefore restricted to VMC (3 miles and 1,000 foot ceiling) conditions, unless the circle to land procedure has higher minimums posted.

Sorry if my original question was not clear. Our discussion was spurred by the type restriction and wether you are legal to perform a circle when the ceiling is lower than 1,500 ft. I.e. ... Whether you need to be 500 below the ceiling.

West coast, thanks. This makes sense to me and I'll go search the op specs for more info.

No, as with all instrument approaches, you need only remain clear of clouds. There are no VFR rules or requirements to meet when circling.