Just to update anyone who is interested:
We did end up applying for a new visitor's visa for my partner (thereby cancelling the existing one he had that had a few more months of validity) before sending in the full spousal application form (which we are still working on - will submit in the next couple days).
He was granted a multiple entry visa valid for four years. Now, we just have to see whether he gets through the border (as it is still the prerogative of the border officer at the time of entry) when he come later in the year.
Cheers!
We did end up applying for a new visitor's visa for my partner (thereby cancelling the existing one he had that had a few more months of validity) before sending in the full spousal application form (which we are still working on - will submit in the next couple days).
He was granted a multiple entry visa valid for four years. Now, we just have to see whether he gets through the border (as it is still the prerogative of the border officer at the time of entry) when he come later in the year.
Cheers!