I'm not sure where IMM5609 says that, but you are probably referring to:JORGER said:thanks mrforce, gladaki and lps, http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/bulletins/2013/ob554.asp, this note on the gazzete gives me some relief, looks like they are going to review applications received before nov 9th with the old rule, even when imm5609 says changes will affect all the applications...nothing else to do but to wait and trust in God, finger crossing and praying...
"Applications will be processed according to the rules and regulations in effect at the time they are received. Rules and regulations may change at any time; changes may be applied to applications which have already been received."
Basically, they reserve the right to announce new rules that affect applications that were already received. But as a general principle, applications are assessed according to the rules in effect when they were received.