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My wife lived and worked outside of Canada during eligibility period. She selected "Yes" and attached an explanation letter without CIT form. She got AOR and it is already In Process since November 17. She applied in October 16.
 
I marked Yes and wrote next to the question - "See 10a - Pre-PR" (10a being list of residences) and underneath where it said the form was required "Not Applicable".

I didn't see how I could fill out a form which specifically asked questions I couldn't answer yes to, even filling it out N/A and signing it I'd be signing something that wasn't truthful based on my reading of it.

Figured that was sufficient for anyone with a brain - which I assume the people processing the requests have. FWIW, I received AOR but not In Process yet.
 
As I see it with question 9c, I always take the literal meaning of what the question asks. The guide might allude to the fact that this question should be answered keeping in mind if you are claiming a credit for time outside Canada.

But the question specifically asks if you did or did not spend time outside Canada in your eligibility period. The safest best is to answer Yes (if the situation applies to you) and complete CIT0177 with N/A and provide a cover letter with explanation. For such an important milestone, I would want to be as safe as possible and rather not depend on the hope that the intake agent or the case officer has a doubt.