Confused about who the principal applicant is in a spousal sponsorship application to Canada? This article explains the difference between sponsor and principal applicant, their roles, responsibilities, and how IRCC defines each in the immigration process—so you can submit a complete and accurate application with confidence.
Understanding Spousal Sponsorship in Canada
Spousal sponsorship is one of the most common and important Canadian immigration pathways available to citizens and permanent residents who wish to bring their loved ones to live with them in Canada. Whether you’re married, in a common-law partnership, or in a conjugal relationship, the process allows you to sponsor your partner for permanent residency. But before you begin, it’s essential to understand the key roles and responsibilities—especially the role of the principal applicant in spousal sponsorship.
IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) requires clear documentation and accurate information from both the sponsor and the applicant to avoid delays or refusals. One of the first steps is identifying who is the principal applicant and who is the sponsor. Misunderstanding these roles can lead to confusion in preparing forms, submitting supporting documents, or understanding the process timeline.
What is Spousal Sponsorship?
Spousal Sponsorship falls under the Family Class immigration category. It allows a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor their spouse or partner to come to Canada as a permanent resident. The goal is to reunite families in a way that supports Canada’s family reunification mandate.
There are two main types of spousal sponsorship:
- Outland sponsorship – where the principal applicant lives outside Canada during the application process.
- Inland sponsorship – where the couple lives together in Canada, and the foreign spouse has valid temporary status (e.g. visitor, worker, or student).
Regardless of the type, understanding the sponsor vs principal applicant distinction is key to a successful application.
Who is the Principal Applicant in Spousal Sponsorship?
The principal applicant in a spousal sponsorship case is the person being sponsored to immigrate to Canada—in other words, the foreign national spouse or partner. This is the person who will become a permanent resident if the application is approved. The sponsor, by contrast, is the Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is initiating the sponsorship and supporting the application.
Principal Applicant Meaning in Immigration
According to IRCC, the principal applicant is the individual who is applying to immigrate to Canada, and on whose behalf the application is being submitted. In family sponsorship applications, this is always the family member being sponsored.
In the context of spousal sponsorship, the principal applicant is responsible for:
- Filling out the required immigration forms (IMM 0008, Schedule A, etc.)
- Providing personal documentation (passports, civil status documents, background checks)
- Undergoing medical examinations and biometrics
- Responding to additional document requests from IRCC
It is important to correctly identify the principal applicant on all forms. Errors in this section can lead to delays or outright refusals of your application.
Who Applies for Spousal Sponsorship?
Technically, both the sponsor and the principal applicant are involved in the application process. However, the sponsor initiates the immigration request by agreeing to financially support the applicant, and the principal applicant submits the application for permanent residence. This creates a two-part application:
- Sponsorship Application – completed and submitted by the sponsor.
- Permanent Residence Application – completed and signed by the principal applicant.
Both parts must be submitted together to IRCC. If one is missing or incomplete, the application will be returned.
To avoid errors, it’s always a good idea to get a free immigration assessment or consult a regulated immigration consultant.
Principal Applicant vs Sponsor: Key Differences
Understanding the difference between the sponsor and the principal applicant is crucial. Let’s break it down:
| Role | Principal Applicant | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The individual being sponsored to immigrate to Canada | The Canadian citizen or permanent resident initiating the sponsorship |
| Application Responsibility | Submits permanent residence application forms | Submits sponsorship forms and undertaking |
| Eligibility Requirements | Must be legally married or in a genuine relationship with the sponsor | Must meet income, residency, and legal requirements to sponsor |
| Financial Support | No obligation to support sponsor | Must commit to financially supporting the applicant |
| IRCC Viewpoint | Main applicant for immigration | Supporting party responsible for sponsoring |
This distinction helps IRCC determine who is applying for permanent residency and who is acting as the sponsor under the Family Class sponsorship programme.
Common Mistakes When Identifying the Principal Applicant
Many couples mistakenly identify the sponsor as the principal applicant because the sponsor is the one who initiates the application. However, this is incorrect. The person applying to become a permanent resident (i.e. the foreign national spouse) is always the principal applicant.
To avoid common errors in your application:
- Double-check all forms to ensure correct roles are assigned
- Review the IRCC instruction guide specific to spousal sponsorship
- Get professional help if you’re unsure—consider a professional immigration evaluation
Principal Applicant Responsibilities in Spousal Sponsorship
Once identified, the principal applicant takes on several key responsibilities in the spousal sponsorship process. These include:
1. Completing and Submitting the Application Forms
The principal applicant must complete the following IRCC forms:
- IMM 0008 (Generic Application Form for Canada)
- IMM 5669 (Schedule A – Background/Declaration)
- IMM 5406 (Additional Family Information)
- IMM 5562 (Travel History, if applicable)
All forms must be signed, dated, and submitted with supporting documentation. Mistakes or inconsistencies can delay processing or result in refusal.
2. Providing Proof of Identity and Relationship
As the principal applicant, you will need to provide:
- Valid passport and identity documents
- Marriage certificate or proof of common-law/conjugal partnership
- Photos, communication records, and other evidence of a genuine relationship
IRCC takes relationship fraud seriously, so it’s essential to provide thorough and truthful documentation.
3. Medical Exams and Biometrics
The principal applicant is also responsible for completing an IRCC-approved medical exam and providing biometrics (fingerprints and a photo). These are required for all permanent residence applicants, including those under family sponsorship.
4. Responding to IRCC Requests
Throughout the process, IRCC may request additional documents, clarifications, or interviews. The principal applicant must respond within the given timelines to avoid delays or refusal of the application.
5. Remaining Eligible Until a Decision is Made
The principal applicant must maintain eligibility throughout the process. For inland sponsorships, this includes maintaining legal status in Canada. For outland applications, the applicant must not become inadmissible due to criminal or medical issues while waiting for a decision.
To understand more about permanent residency, see our guide on Canadian permanent residence and what it means for you and your family.
Sponsor and Applicant Difference: Why It Matters
Clear understanding of the sponsor and applicant roles is critical not only for form completion but also for eligibility assessments, financial obligations, and communication with IRCC. If these roles are mixed up, your application could be delayed or rejected due to incomplete information or missing signatures on the wrong forms.
Financial Undertaking by the Sponsor
As part of the application, the sponsor agrees to an undertaking to support the principal applicant financially for three years after they receive permanent residence. This means the sponsor must:
- Provide for the basic needs of the principal applicant (food, shelter, clothing, etc.)
- Ensure the applicant does not require social assistance from the government
- Repay any social assistance the applicant receives during the undertaking period
This undertaking is legally binding, even if the relationship breaks down during the undertaking period.
Eligibility Requirements for the Sponsor
To be eligible to sponsor a spouse or partner, the individual must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Be at least 18 years old
- Live in Canada (or plan to return to Canada if living abroad)
- Not be receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability
- Not be in default of a previous sponsorship undertaking
Learn more about the immigration to Canada process and how family sponsorship fits into your broader immigration strategy.
What Happens After the Application is Submitted?
After submitting the application package to IRCC, the sponsorship and permanent residence applications are assessed. If both are approved, the principal applicant will be issued a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), and if they are outside Canada, they will be issued a visa to travel to Canada.
For inland applicants, they may be eligible for an open work permit for spouses while waiting for the decision. This allows them to work and contribute to their household during the processing period.
To better prepare for your Canadian immigration journey, you can assess your immigration options with our free online tool or speak to one of our expert consultants.
Family Sponsorship Principal Applicant: Special Considerations
Understanding who is the principal applicant in spousal sponsorship becomes even more important when there are additional family members involved. In most spousal sponsorship cases, the application is straightforward—one sponsor and one principal applicant. However, if the principal applicant has dependent children, those children must be declared in the application and may be included as accompanying dependants.
What Happens if the Principal Applicant Has Children?
If the sponsored spouse or partner has dependent children, they can usually be included in the application for permanent residence. In this case, the spouse remains the principal applicant, and the children are listed as accompanying dependants.
The IRCC will assess the eligibility and admissibility of both the principal applicant and any dependants. This includes medical exams and background checks for each person listed in the application. It’s important to:
- Declare all children, whether accompanying or not
- Provide birth certificates and custody documents (if applicable)
- Ensure that both biological parents sign the consent forms, unless exempt
If the principal applicant fails to declare a child in the original application, they may not be able to sponsor that child to Canada later. This is why it’s essential to complete the application accurately from the start.
Can You Sponsor More Than One Family Member?
While the spousal sponsorship application focuses on one person (your spouse or partner), you can include dependent children in the same application. However, if you wish to sponsor other relatives—like parents or siblings—you’ll need to apply under different immigration streams, such as the Family Class sponsorship programme for parents and grandparents.
If you’re unsure about how to include dependants or whether they meet IRCC’s definition of a dependent child, a professional immigration evaluation can help clarify your options.
Principal Applicant Definition IRCC: Official Guidelines
The principal applicant definition IRCC uses is clear: it’s the person seeking to immigrate to Canada through the sponsorship of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. In the spousal sponsorship context, this is always the foreign spouse or partner.
Where to Indicate the Principal Applicant in IRCC Forms
IRCC forms will clearly ask for the name of the principal applicant. This is typically on the IMM 0008 form—also known as the Generic Application Form for Canada. The sponsor’s details are entered in the sponsorship forms (IMM 1344 and others), not in the permanent residence application.
Tip:
Be consistent with names, addresses, and supporting documents across all forms. Discrepancies between the sponsor and principal applicant information can trigger delays or calls for clarification.
Common Misunderstandings About the Principal Applicant
Applicants often confuse the terms “sponsor” and “principal applicant” because they are both heavily involved in the process. Here are a few common misconceptions to avoid:
- “The sponsor fills out the application, so they must be the principal applicant.”
This is incorrect. While the sponsor initiates the process, the person being sponsored is always the principal applicant. - “We’re applying together, so we’re both principal applicants.”
No. There is always only one principal applicant in a spousal sponsorship application, which is the person being sponsored for permanent residence. - “It doesn’t matter who we list as the principal applicant.”
Incorrect. IRCC uses this designation to assess eligibility, issue visas, and make final decisions.
If you’re still unsure about the principal applicant’s role in the permanent residence process, it’s best to consult with a licensed immigration specialist.
Tips to Submit a Complete and Accurate Spousal Sponsorship Application
Now that you understand the sponsor vs principal applicant roles, here are some practical tips to help you build a strong, error-free application:
1. Use the Most Recent IRCC Forms
Always download the latest versions of application forms directly from the IRCC website. Using outdated forms can result in your application being returned.
2. Double Check the Sponsor and Principal Applicant Sections
Ensure you’ve correctly identified and entered the appropriate information for both the sponsor and the principal applicant. Each has their own set of forms and documentation requirements.
3. Include All Required Supporting Documents
Each application must include:
- Proof of identity (passports, national IDs)
- Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, photos, joint bills)
- Police certificates and background checks
- Medical exam receipts
- Payment receipts for processing fees
Missing documents will delay your application or could lead to a refusal.
4. Be Honest and Transparent
Do not withhold information, even if you think it could negatively impact your application. IRCC conducts background checks, and any inconsistencies can raise red flags.
5. Seek Help If Needed
Canadian immigration forms can be complex and time-consuming. A free immigration assessment with a regulated consultant can help you avoid costly mistakes and improve your chances of success.
Spousal Sponsorship Roles in the Bigger Picture
Understanding the roles of the sponsor and the principal applicant is not only important for your application—it also affects your future in Canada. Once approved, the principal applicant becomes a permanent resident and begins the path to full integration into Canadian society.
After Arrival: Next Steps for the Principal Applicant
Once the principal applicant lands in Canada and becomes a permanent resident, they receive a PR card as proof of their status. This card allows them to travel in and out of Canada and access most social benefits.
Residency Obligations
Permanent residents must meet certain residency obligations to maintain their status. This includes being physically present in Canada for at least 730 days within a five-year period.
Pathway to Canadian Citizenship
After living in Canada as a permanent resident for at least three out of five years, the principal applicant may be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship. This marks a significant milestone for many families who start their journey through spousal sponsorship.
Navigating the Canadian Immigration System with Confidence
Immigration to Canada through spousal sponsorship is a powerful way to reunite families, but it requires careful planning and a solid understanding of the roles involved. The distinction between the principal applicant and the sponsor is foundational to a successful application.
Whether you’re applying from India, Nigeria, the Philippines, or anywhere else in the world, getting it right the first time is crucial. A small error in identifying your roles, submitting forms, or missing documents can result in months of delays—or worse, a refusal.
That’s why many applicants choose to work with a trusted team like EverNorth Immigration. Our experienced professionals help you navigate the complexities of spousal sponsorship, ensuring that every detail is accurate, complete, and aligned with IRCC’s expectations.
Need Help with Your Sponsorship Application?
If you’re ready to begin or are currently facing challenges, start with a free immigration assessment. Our team will review your situation, explain your options, and help you take the next step with confidence.
Conclusion: Sponsor vs Principal Applicant—Clarity is Key
To recap, the principal applicant in spousal sponsorship is the person being sponsored—your foreign national spouse or partner. The sponsor is the Canadian citizen or permanent resident supporting the application. Each plays a vital role in making the immigration process successful.
By clearly understanding the sponsor and applicant difference, completing the correct forms, and fulfilling all responsibilities, you’ll improve your chances of a smooth and successful application. Whether you’re applying inland or outland, be diligent, honest, and thorough.
And remember—you don’t have to do it alone. Immigration to Canada (EverNorth) is here to help you through every step of the spousal sponsorship process. From eligibility assessments to full application support, we offer expert guidance tailored to your unique situation.
Ready to reunite with your loved one in Canada? Assess your immigration options today and take the first step toward building your future together.
