The "Sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner or dependent child Complete Guide (IMM 5289)" states:
Check your online account for additional information needed to process your application.
After linking your application, check right away to see what else we need to process your application. Everyone will find at least two requests in their account:
- a request to complete and submit a background information form, known as Schedule A.
- a request to submit police certificates.
Failure to respond to a request to submit documentation within the allotted time could result in the refusal of your application.
Based on this information, I would assume that all applicants must complete a Schedule A. However, I still have not received a request to submit a Schedule A. And it appears many, many applicants on this forum are having the same issue.