Have a look at this:We both were not aware about this common law thing
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-instructions-agreements/excluded-2021.html
(extended thru Sep 2023)
It may help you/him, but you need to read through it carefully. My quick glance at it seems to indicate that it's only for a Convention refugee or protected person, but...hopefully you can find some useful info.