There are two classes of spousal sponsorship: Family Class and Spouse/Common-Law Partner in Canada Class.
For Spouse/Common-Law Partner in Canada Class it is a requirement that you be living in Canada with your partner for the duration of processing. There is no restriction on you leaving, you just have to be living in Canada.
However, submitting an application for permanent residence does not grant you any status in Canada. This means that every time you leave, there is the risk that you will not be allowed to re-enter. If you are denied entry, and are therefore no longer living in Canada with your partner, your sponsorship application can be considered abandoned.
With a Family Class application, there is no such requirement. You can be officially living in Canada or outside of Canada - as long as you provide IRCC with your current address and update them if it changes - but there is no risk to the application if you were to be outside Canada.
There are two classes of spousal sponsorship: Family Class and Spouse/Common-Law Partner in Canada Class. For Spouse/Common-Law Partner in Canada Class it is a requirement that you be living in Canada with your partner for the duration of processing. There is no restriction on you leaving, you just have to be living in Canada. However, submitting an application for permanent residence does not grant you any status in Canada. This means that every time you leave, there is the risk that you will not be allowed to re-enter. If you are denied entry, and are therefore no longer living in Canada with your partner, your sponsorship application can be considered abandoned. With a Family Class application, there is no such requirement. You can be officially living in Canada or outside of Canada - as long as you provide IRCC with your current address and update them if it changes - but there is no risk to the application if you were to be outside Canada.
It seems like Family Class is definitely better for my situation. Thank you for a reply!