Hi. I think the letter of the pre-arrival services is sent to everyone who passes the medical exam. My parents' sponsorship application was submitted on 18 May 2018. They passed their medical exam on 10 May 2019 and received the pre-arrival letter the next day, 11 May 2019. When I contacted the Visa Office to see what is next, they said they now have to complete their background check, which can take up to 180 days. They asked me to contact them if I have not heard from them within 180 days.
Also, according to IRCC (
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/new-life-canada/pre-arrival-services/eligibility.html), you can get free in-person and online services, if:
- we approved your permanent residence application
- you’re currently outside Canada
- you have one of these documents:
- a letter from us saying you can get pre-arrival services
- a confirmation of permanent residence letter
- a passport request letter that indicates Permanent Resident visa issuance
- a letter from us asking for your medical exam results
- a single-entry permanent resident visa
- a letter from us letting your know you can pick up your permanent resident visa