The timeline differs. Its the government. My process took from start to finish 9.5-10 months. Granted there was the government shutdown that delayed me by a month. Your time my vary. After being referred you still gotta be selected, scheduled for an interview, pre-employment checkride and have an start date. So, be patient. You can interview, be hired, go thru training and finish IOE with a regional faster than going thru the FAA hiring process.
The pay is good and right now the agency is hurting for ASI's BAD. If you're looking for stability and growth, this place isn't bad. Good Luck.
GB