We applied outland and we live together abroad. The other July applicant I know who has also gotten the COPR already was living in Canada during the process with his spouse and applied outland. Once you pass stage 1 it is no longer in the hands of Canada but the foreign visa office that is handling your outland case to prioritize who gets approved at which time. From experience reading other cases on this broad, I don't think CIC Canada or the foreign visa offices prioritize by those living apart or together during the process. It's based upon the time you applied, the complexity of your case, the proof you provide, and how you completed and organized your package. I have heard the only priority cases are those for which a parent is sponsoring a child, they are always processed as soon as they arrive at the office.