they are not saying that ALL applications they currently have will have to wait until Dec 17 for completion. they are saying they are reducing the time for applications that are sent to 12 months, and possibly less. nothing can be done about the fact that there are many people who have already been waiting over 12 months. they obviously can't go back in time and force a 12 month processing for 2015 files. what they are saying is, we know there are many people waiting 2 years. we are putting an end to this. we are going to process applications by a first in, first out process. those who have been waiting more than 12 months will (probably) get first priority in processing. all applications received less than 12 months ago and as of today should see completion by 12 months.