Hi!
I got my RSMS 857 visa in 2007 (I'm now an Australian Citizen)
Once I got my employer nomination approved, the visa took 6 weeks from lodging to approval, but it was lodged in Brisbane. I was at the time on my extended 457 visa and as I was onshore when the application was lodged, had to stay in Australia until the visa was granted.
On the first day that I qualified for citizenship, I applied.....now I don't need to worry about this crap anymore....Good Luck mate