Hi Emma,

I sent off my application for COTRB and for registration as an OT in Queensland on the same day, and had a response back from both on the same day unbelievably! It didn't actually take too long - I think about 2-3 weeks.
They just said they acknowledged receipt of the documents and sent a receipt for the payment. That was in August, and I haven't heard anything since!!
I'm hoping I will get the 'approval' soon.

I have an employee sponsor who started the 457 visa application in Australia online. She then sent me a number, which I had to put on my application at this end.
I didn't find it too bad to do the online application - but realised half way through that they want you to attach a lot of documents immediately after you submit the application - so make sure you have them all in your pc, and that they are of the right size! Mine were too big, and I had to do some technical stuff to make them smaller so they would attach - to be honest that was the worst bit!!
I thought the info was a bit wooly about what to actually attach - so took a scattergun approach and attached everything!!
One thing they did want was proof of my COTRB registration - which of course I don't have yet..aaaggh! I scanned in and attached the letter of acknowledgement I had received, and hope this will suffice?!

I heard fom someone else who has just been through this process that it takes about 10 weeks from aplication through to getting the visa.. and then you an go! I'm hoping I will get mine early December.. fingers crossed.

I had a telephone interview too... aren't they awfull?! Anyway, hope this helps. Good luck!
Geraldine.