Thanks for this thread. It's been very helpful and I got the application linked.
I used 2 for number of people on the application and that includes me, the sponsor and spouse no dependents
I haven't even received my overdue SA yet but my spouse's status on the ecas changed to In Process just today.
Now that I've also linked his application to the new system, it shows
Status: Open
Review of eligibility: In Progress
Review of medical results: Passed
Review of submitted documents: blank nothing written here
Scheduling an interview: Not needed at this time
A background check is needed: Not Started
Final Decision: Not Started