Mc Gowan...
I think I see what you're getting at, but I disagree...
In the scenario you've described, I would think that you are still "IFR", but now also satisfy the requirements of being "visual" (you can of course be visual whilst IFR - it's defined in AIP.). Circling is described for both day and night.
You haven't changed category from IFR to (N)VFR...
Only my thoughts...
CR.