Time required to get sponsor license

Does anyone know what is the time required(approx) for a tier 2 sponsor to get the license ? Also does the sponsor need to advertise the job before they apply for the license?

Just to clarify I am asking about the license of sponsor itself, not the COS which I guess comes into question after the license is approved.

It usually takes 4 weeks for UKBA to process the SL but ofcourse will vary from employer to employer and ofcourse case worker.

No, the advertisement obviosuly not required to get sponsorship licence.

It is required when they raise a certificate of sponsorship, only if you want to claim points for passing the Resident labour market test

thanks very much for the replies. does it vary on the size of organization? The organization who are interested in employing me are micro (less than 9 employees) size. so I am a bit concerned about the time it will take them to get license as my current tier2 visa is expiring in february.