Visa Extension for common law - need help

[psii]

I have been in Canada (From the US) on a visitor's Visa for almost 5 months now, trying to get common-law status with my boyfriend of 2 years by achieving common-law status by living with him for 1 consecutive year. Around 2 weeks ago I sent in a visa extension for 6 months so I can fulfill the full year.
My problem is; I look up today what the processing time for paper applications are, and it's 119 days. I was under the impression that it would be within a month, since on the application it says that I should send it in within at LEAST 30 days.
Im going to assume that there is no way in hell that I am going to be allowed to stay in Canada for my application to finish, and that I have to go home.
How should I do this next time?? Send In my extension the moment I land back in Canada? And for How long? Should I specify that I am trying to get common law status with my boyfriend?
I really need help, i want to make sure I'm doing everything right so that next time i wont learn something new and will have to be sent back home because of one little detail that i missed out on so early on.

 

[scylla]

You've misunderstood the process. Provided you apply to extend your stay and CIC receives your application before your current status in Canada expires, you will have implied status and can remain in Canada until a decision is made for your extension application.

Make sure you say that you are extending for the purposes of become common law. This typically guarantees the extension will be approved.

 

[psii]

You've misunderstood the process. Provided you apply to extend your stay and CIC receives your application before your current status in Canada expires, you will have implied status and can remain in Canada until a decision is made for your extension application.

Make sure you say that you are extending for the purposes of become common law. This typically guarantees the extension will be approved.

I did not say that it was for the purpose of getting common-law. How do I verify that I have implied status? I dont want to assume I have it and then end up overstaying my visa and end up not being able to come back into Canada.

 

[scylla]

You have implied status provided your application was received before your visit ended.

There's no way to verify you have implied status - it's something you get automatically.