American/Canadian Common Law Questions

[Mholland93]

Okay so I've been in long distance relationship with a canadian girl for two years now (im american we met online) and we're making plans to close the distance and for me to move to canada and the easiest option seems to try and live together for a year and apply for common law. I just have a few questions about the details and what exactly we need to do. The plan so far is for her to move down here in May and live with me till October when my lease is up. And then for us to move back to Canada after (British Columbia). Here are my questions:
1.What kinds of "proof" do we need to prove that we live together?
a.Would a joint checking account be enough?
b.Is it easy to find places to live that we could add my name to the lease even tho i wont be able to work?
2.Is it okay that half of the time we're in the states?
3.After we hit the 12 months what do we do?
a.Do we need a lawyer for the application or for anything else?
b.If we do and we're approved what am i considered at that point (I know I have to wait 3 years to be a permanent resident)
c.Can i start working after the year and we achieve common law?
4.Any other tips/advice any of you have?

 

[MilesAway]

1. To apply as common-law, you need to prove that you have lived together for 12 consecutive months. A joint checking account is not enough. Adding your name to the lease would help, as would mail to both of you at the same address.
2. It doesn't matter where you live together, so long as it's for a year and you can prove it.
3. Gather all the required documents and submit them. You don't need a lawyer. I've seen several cases where the lawyer made things worse by making serious mistakes. Once your sponsor has been approved and then you have been approved, you are a permanent resident. I don't know where you saw that you had to wait 3 years, because that is not correct.
You can only work if you have a work permit. Once you are a PR and you get a SIN, then you can work just like any other Canadian.

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