Common law start date and dates of proof

[canuck_in_uk]

Does the 12-month living together continuously have to be immediately prior to submitting a common-law application? My daughter has been living with her partner for 2 years, but he has to return to his home country for a while, maybe 4 months, (she will remain in Canada to work). No PR application has been submitted yet. Will this separation affect their common-law status?

No, it doesn't need to be immediately before. They will remain common-law and it will be no issue for the app. It is a common situation.