1. Make sure you are typing the exact details as mentioned on your passport. E.g i was typing delhi as the place of issue and was getting rejected. I changed to New Delhi (on passport) and it went through.
2. You get 5 attempts to log in and then the account jams for 24 hrs.
3. It is case by case too. ( I have seen it all
) I am unable to link my wife’s account (dependent applicant) using her details till date. I have called CIC and have received a curt response: “First time applicants should not link their application online. It is only used for tracking PR renewals”. This is really far from truth and this forum is the proof.
All in all. There is luck and patience involved. This forum provides updates on timelines from peers that helps.