I tried to find the info related to this, even under their procedure manual. No relevant information found that says why Permanent Resident sponsors have to stay in Canada, while your spousal sponsorship is in-process. But if you read it repeatedly, the instructions are very confusing.
- You’re at least 18 years old
- You’re a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act
- If you’re a Canadian citizen living outside Canada, you must show that you plan to live in Canada when the persons you want to sponsor become permanent residents.
- You can’t sponsor someone if you’re a permanent resident living outside Canada.
- You’re able to prove that you’re not receiving social assistance for reasons other than a disability
- you can provide for the basic needs of any persons you want to sponsor
So now if we think about keeping the PR status valid:
Time Lived in Canada
To keep your permanent resident status, you must have been in Canada for at least
730 days during
the last five years. These 730 days don’t need to be continuous. Some of your time abroad may count towards the 730 days. See what time abroad counts towards your permanent resident status.
Even if you stay for 6 months to 12 months, I do not think, you will be considered as a
permanent resident living outside Canada.
If I was in your shoes, I won't update IRCC about my travel details as that information is not asked once you filled the main application. Hope this will help.