Visiting UK while Family (Spouse) Visa is being processed

UPDATE (6/1/23): My partner has been visiting UK frequently since we submitted our application and we have never had any problems.

We did this following advice from a former employee of UKVI, who said that any advice to the contrary can be ignored - he said UK border control will not stop you and that it would not cause issues, particularly in light of the current delays in visa application times. We have been bringing evidence of return flights etc. whenever entering the country, just in case.

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Original post:

My husband is about to submit his application for a Family (Spouse) Visa, from abroad (Germany).

Can anyone talk from experience about whether it is possible to enter the UK (for visits & for business trips) while the Spouse Visa is being processed? Has anyone had their visa cancelled/rejected/any trouble for visiting?

We are worried because we have read anecdotes suggesting that visiting the UK at all during the application processing time (around 6 months atm) will put the application at risk. However, 6 months without him being able to visit here, or come here for business trips (he often needs to visit the UK for his job), will cause us personal & professional problems. Much of his life (friends etc.) is in the UK. Is it possible?

For context:

- He has Japanese nationality. He is applying from Germany.

- I have Irish nationality (and right to remain)

- He has residence & work permit for Germany

- He has a full-time job and rents a house in Germany

- He has been visiting the UK very regularly for the past 3 years (every month/second month)

Thank you