Can I submit application form now for holiday in July 2017?

My boyfriend and my daughter both of them got British passports, I got Chinese passport. I am planning to take them to China in July 2017 for 3-4 weeks holiday, My sister is Chinese and we are going to stay in her house, she can do the invitation letter. Can I submit the application form now to get the 2 years multi-entry visa which will cover the time in July next year? so I can book flights as early as possible to get cheaper flight tickets.