Reference from the U.S. Controller's Handbook, 7110.65V
7−4−1. VISUAL APPROACH
A visual approach is an ATC authorization for an
aircraft on an IFR flight plan to proceed visually to the
airport of intended landing; it is not an instrument
approach procedure. Also, there is no missed
approach segment. An aircraft unable to complete a
visual approach must be handled as any go-around
and appropriate separation must be provided.
(On a barely related note, when I started in ATC it was 7110.65B, and really WAS a handbook, not a four inch stack of lawyer-speak)