My question is, why don't you tell us the situation rather than making us guess?
IRCC says PR sponsor has to reside in Canada. Definitely this means do not submit application while abroad. Beyond that, it means whatever IRCC wants it to mean, within boundaries of "resident in Canada, short trips abroad are okay."
There may be particular dates or times of processing when IRCC officer might check, but random and not under control of outsiders or easily predictable.
If you have received AOR or equivalent (biometrics, medical) and you want to know if there's concern about sponsor being out of Canada, order gcms notes - they may have relevant info.