I've successfully linked the account by using the first and last name and passport information, with three as the number of applicants (wife, me, and her adult son who is considered a "dependent" by immigration Canada's definition.
It's now saying the following -- which I guess means that nothing has been done on the account beyond the acknowledgement of receipt:
Application step Current status
Review of eligibility Your application is in progress. We will send you a message when we start reviewing your eligibility.
Review of medical results You do not need a medical exam. We will send you a message if this changes.
Review of additional documents We do not need additional documents.
Interview You do not need an interview. We will send you a message if this changes.
Biometrics We do not need your fingerprints. We will send you a message if this changes.
Background check Not applicable.
Final decision Your application is in progress.
I understand this to mean that the status regarding the medical doesn't mean one isn't required, just that this will be changed once the file is updated.
I know this is the holiday period, so am not expecting anything soon, but hope after a three-month long wait to get the acknowledgement of receipt, that some positive forward movements happen early in new year. Thanks for your input and good luck to everyone on this board in 2019!
By successfully creating an account, it is not a guarantee for sponsorship approval or the success of permanent residence application. It is a tool where you can track the updates and progress of your application. It is also a way wherein the officer can communicate with you by sending you messages if there are other documents they need from you like the medical request, etc.