Does it have to be 12 consecutive months?

[Gj2802]

I have lived with my boyfriend for 10 months but we have been together for 2 and a half years..we have lived together in a hostel for three months at the beginning of our relationship then we got separate apartments, and now have lived together with proof for 10 months...he lived with me two months before that but there's no proof.
Am I eligable to apply under common law now? A lawyer said we can, even though it's only been 10 months as we have been together longer...but no one else is saying the same thing..


(He's canadian and I'm british)

 

[warzo]

12 consecutive months

 

[Rob_TO]

100% must be consecutive. Any break of living apart during the 12 months, voids the cohabitation. If you've lived together for now 10 months straight, you will only be common-law after 2 more moths of living together.

 

[Ponga]

I have lived with my boyfriend for 10 months but we have been together for 2 and a half years..we have lived together in a hostel for three months at the beginning of our relationship then we got separate apartments, and now have lived together with proof for 10 months...he lived with me two months before that but there's no proof.
Am I eligable to apply under common law now? A lawyer said we can, even though it's only been 10 months as we have been together longer...but no one else is saying the same thing..


(He's canadian and I'm british)

Another example of a lawyer that seems to misunderstand the most basic requirement. 1 year means 12 months, NOT 10.

 

[Gj2802]

We have actually lived together for 12 consecutive months but I have no proof like lease, mail etc...does a witness statement from my ex room mate count as evidence?

 

[Rob_TO]

We have actually lived together for 12 consecutive months but I have no proof like lease, mail etc...does a witness statement from my ex room mate count as evidence?

That's entirely up to the visa officer who happens to be processing your application. All anyone can give here is their own opinion.

IMO, statement from some random roommate would not be sufficient though. You should look for a declaration from landlord or owner of building/hostel you were staying at.

 

[canadianwoman]

Wait the two months until you have the proof you need. Applying early will probably result in getting the PR later or not at all.

 

[stone12m]

Exactly. Not sure if you've started on your application yet, but you'll need at least the next two months to get everything together.