It took me 3 weeks from the day I applied for a UK CNI through the Registrar. I arranged it with about 5 weeks to go before I left for Manila to present to the Embassy for exchange. In our case we had to collect the local CNI in Manila the following day after presenting them with my UK CNI.
I didnt have to advertise intent in the local paper.
When you see the registrar, you do the form filling and pay the fee, then wait for 3 weeks.
Thanks very much appreciated that helps me a lot to get to grips
"Nothing ventured, nothing gained"
"It is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all" Lord Tenneson.