How long does it take to process an investment adviser representative registration application? 

Yes, if they are not otherwise excluded or exempt. For example, an investment adviser employee or those associated with the investment adviser who perform any of the following duties must register as an IAR (unless otherwise exempt or excluded):

• Providing investment advice or the person holds himself/herself out as providing investment advice;
• Managing client accounts or portfolios;
• Soliciting and/or offering investment advisory services;
• Determines which recommendation or advice regarding securities should be given;
• Receiving compensation to solicit, offer or negotiate for the sale of or for selling investment advice;
• Supervising employees who perform any of the foregoing.

See MCL 451.2102a(f).

Yes, if (a) the Federal Covered Investment Adviser is required to “notice file” under MCL 451.2505, and (b) the employee or associated person falls within the definition of an “Investment Adviser Representative” under MCL 451.2102a(f).
No, if the Federal Covered Investment Adviser is exempt from the notice filing requirements of MCL 451.2405(3), because it satisfies the conditions of MCL 451.2405(2). In this case, the employee/associated person will not have to register as an IAR in Michigan because MCL 451.2404(2)(a) exempts the individual from the registration requirements of MUSA.
MCL 451.2102a(f) excludes from the definition of “Investment Adviser Representative” an individual who is employed by or associated with a Federal Covered Investment Adviser unless (a) the individual meets the definition of an “Investment Adviser Representative” under 17 C.F.R.§ 275.203A-3 or (b) the individual has a place of business in Michigan and is not a “supervised person” as that term is defined in Section 202(a)(25) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

In summary, if an individual meets the definition of an “Investment Adviser Representative” and is employed by or associated with a Federal Covered Investment Adviser that is excluded from notice filing in Michigan, the individual will not have to register as an IAR in Michigan. However, if the individual meets the definition of an “Investment Adviser Representative,” is employed by or associated with a Federal Covered Investment Adviser who is required to notice file in Michigan, and the individual has a place of business in Michigan, the individual will have to register in Michigan as an IAR.

You will need to file a U-4 form through FINRA's CRD system.  There are instructions regarding this process found on www.iard.com in the IARD Firm's User Manual, Chapter 9.

Yes, unless you have taken and passed either the Series 65 or Series 66 examination within the last two years, or been registered in another state as an IAR within the last two years, as long as the other state required the S65 or S66 examination or have an acceptable professional designation or you can certify to OFIR that you have been continuously performing IAR services for which IAR registration is required under the new ACT, with an IA firm, with no more than a two-year break in service since you passed either the Series 65 or Series 66 examination.

How long does it take to process an investment adviser representative registration application?

There are no automatic approvals, therefore it can take 2-4 weeks from the date the application is pending.