grusich.309 - Your situation sounds similiar to mine. My boyfriend and I have been together since feb09. We lived together in england for 12months and we've been living here together in canada with his parents for the past 6m.
We applied common law outland in decemeber, and have just received an email saying that we hadnt provided enough information of our cohabitation, which is what defines the common law catagory.
In our application, along with tons of stuff to verify our relationship (which isnt the problem, its the proof of living together that they are disputing) we sent the CIC rental agreements signed by us both, council tax bills in joint names, letters addressed to us individually at the same address, a letter from our landlord, from my mother and his father saying we lived together and shared financial responsibility etc etc and this hasnt been enough.
We thought we had enough proof to validate our cohabitation, I mean, the rental contract alone clearly states this. I can only assume they are extra suspicious because our only solid proof just covers the required year. We are living together here in Canada but as it is with his parents theres no contract for that. Although we did send them confirmation it in writing, and we have joint bank accounts here and letters addressed to us both. But CIC have not accepted it as enough.
My advice to you would be to keep a very sound paper trail of everything you have, anything that shows commitment to each other. And anything that shows that you both contribute financially, however trivial it might seem. Get joint bank accounts, name each other in wills. Have more letters than you would think necessary from family and friends and get as many of them as you can afford as an affidavit.
To give you an idea of timescale, Our application was received in London after my partner was approved as a sponsor on 2nd feb 2011...and it took them until 18th April to email me saying we hadnt provided enough proof of cohabitation. We've been to the solicitors to have some documents verified but we just don't have anything else
Sent all that off yesterday and now I'm back to the waiting game.
It's cost a bloody arm and a leg too. I would say if your going to see a solicitor for affidavits or notaries do it in the UK, rather than in Canada too as their services seem much more expensive in Canada. Or maybe it's just because I'm on Vancouver Island and there not very competitive.
Basically what I'm trying to say is don't send it all until you have tons of evidence!! And if you and your boyfriend are planning to live in Canada together while your waiting for your app (him as a visitor) unless you're in a great financial position and he likes not being able to work (I find it thoroughly depressing and my self worth is at rock bottom) I would reconsider, and stay in the UK as long as possible while your application is being processed.
