If I overstayed as a visitor long enough to get my status for common law requirement, will they accept it for proof when applying for permanent residency? Not sure I am asking it correctly, but what I am trying to say is that I overstayed my visit, but it gives me common law status, but I am not sure it will count because I wasn't legal for the year. Or will I have to have a year of legal status in order to file for common law? I did go back to the US and I am in Canada now legally with a visitor record. Just wondering if I should go ahead and start the application or not.