I apply the visa on 15/Sept, visa issued on 5/Nov. If you tell imm. dept. you will fire your maid, the visa will be issued earlier. But usually take 6-8 weeks at year end
My x-maid will finish contract with me in next year mid-Jan. Therefore, I will transfer her (x-maid) to my cousin in mid-Dec & I just asked with imm. dept that the contract can finish it earlier within 40 days. The reason is not fire her.