Comment by RetiredATC on Does the pilot need to keep track of which instructions can be issued by which ATC facility?

I refer back to the comment by @randomhead. Anything can be done with coordination. I was working the midshift on (I guess) a very clear night and had given the arrival a descent clearance. About 50 miles out, the aircraft reported the airport in sight. I called the approach controller to pass along the information. He said, "Clear 'em for the visual approach," which I did.