Workhorse

As I have had a 457 visa, is it more of an automatic process that the visa be granted?

This was the case with a friend of mine who got hers within 2 hours of applying. I may be able to leave and additional day or two. But hoping I won't need them. 

Hi there,

I will be finishing employment with my sponsor next week and I wish to transfer from my sponsored 457 visa to a working holiday visa. 

I have never had a working holiday visa and plan to travel to New Zealand the weekend to apply for the 417 visa. I am Irish. 

I can only leave 2 days (Saturday and Sunday) for my 417 visa to be processed as I am still working during the week. 

Are there any issues I may face? I've heard of a lot of peoples 417 visas being processed in a few hours. Does this only happen Monday - Friday? Can I work my notice with my sponsor on a 417 visa instead of the 457? 

Thanks in advance for any advice with this!