sponsoring common law spouse from UK please help!

Hi everyone!
I am hoping to sponsor my partner whom I have been living with since Jan 09 to live in Canada with me next year.
We both live in the UK together, and have just set up a savings account together however we have only gotten around to redirecting his mail etc and putting his name on my bills this month.

1. I it still possible to apply come December for the year instead of having to wait or do I need to wait until I have evidence of exactly 12 months.

We have been together since June 08 and have evidence in the form of photos, statements from family and bosses in work, teachers and doctors etc.
We also now from April have joint bank account and bills and mail to both of us to our house together.

2. How long will the sponsorship proccess take from the time we apply to get the PR?

Hope someone can help, thanks so much!!!