Hi cal,
From what I know, through other people who have gone down the LTBV track, is that you could be waiting from 6-12 months before they actually grant you a visa, with an average wait of 9 months.

It takes ages to have your case allocated, then your business plan has to be assessed by accountants for eligibility, then sifted through with a fine tooth comb to make sure your business is what they want here, plus a whole host of other legislative processes.

Unfortunately, cal, having your case allocated is just the beginning to an even longer road usually. Although that 6-12 months is actually from point of application, not allocation. Little comfort, i know.

I would recommend that you call the immigration dept and ask them directly how long applications for LTBV are taking at the moment, as it's really only them that know the more acurate timing. And usually, however long they say it will take over the phone, it always turns up earlier.

Good luck, and I hope it doesnt take 'the usual' for you.