Clearance to the VOR while on vector

[navajo]

I had an IFR clearance from an airport to another airport (GPS approved). The ILS is the approach I can expect at destination. In the vicinity of my destination, I asked ATC for vectors for the ILS, and he told me "you're now clear to the VOR, take headiing XXX".... Why did he have to clear me to the VOR before giving me vectors? What would be the difference if I wasn't clear to the VOR before receiving vectors?

[AuxBatOn]

My take on it is that it was only an initial vector to get to the VOR, in case your VOR wasn't alreday tuned/id'ed.

[navajo]

Yeah, that's a possibility.... but he doesn't have to bring me to the VOR in order for me to intercept the ILS....

It's a eastbound ILS and I was coming from the south-west.

[Dave T]

The VOR was likely your new clearance limit. I have never totally understood the point of this aside from the fact that in a comm failure you are not supposed to start an approach right away. From the sounds of it that is what he meant.

[kevenv]

Why did he have to clear me to the VOR before giving me vectors?

He didn't.

What would be the difference if I wasn't clear to the VOR before receiving vectors?

None

[navajo]

Why did he have to clear me to the VOR before giving me vectors?

He didn't.

What would be the difference if I wasn't clear to the VOR before receiving vectors?

None

hahahha, thanks kevenv, but seriously, could someone explain why?

[ahramin]

Already been explained. Cleared to the VOR is your new clearance limit.