An 'area trip'? Does that mean they are coming to you?
6-12 months seems like a lot.
Have you tried calling IRCC to see if they can give you any other information?
Sorry I didn’t include the whole email,
This refers to your application for permanent residence in Canada. An officer has determined that an in-person interview is required in order to continue the assessment of your application.
Your file is in queue for an interview during an upcoming area trip. The interview trip will likely take place sometime within the next 6-12 months; however the dates have not yet been confirmed.
Should you wish to have an earlier interview date, we would be pleased to offer the option of having your interview take place at IRCC London, United Kingdom, on any working day that is convenient for you. Please note that you are under no obligation to accept an earlier option.
Please also note that all travel costs to attend your interview in London would be your responsibility, as would the process of obtaining the required travel visa for the United Kingdom, if applicable in your case.
If you do not wish to travel to London, your interview will be scheduled during an upcoming area trip to your region within the next 6-12 months. Area trips are conducted to IRCC offices in Islamabad and Abu Dhabi. If we do not hear from you, we will assume that you do not wish to travel to London and your interview will be scheduled during an upcoming area trip.
If you are interested in the option of the interview in London, please respond to this email within the next seven (7) days and provide us with a possible date range so that we may coordinate scheduling. Please do not book any travel until you have received a confirmation of the interview date and time from us.
*Please include your name, application number, and client ID number (UCI) in all your correspondence. A client ID number, also referred to as a unique client identifier number (UCI), and an application number can be found on any official document issued by an IRCC office.