Delay in H1-B extension

[ganeshmathu]

Hi,

I have applied for my H1-b/H-4 extension on Sept 23'2003 in vermont and received an RFE on Mar asking me to list the employment history for the past six years. My lawyer replied to the RFE on Mar 23rd and am still waiting to hear back from INS on my H1-b approval . In the mean time, my wife H-4 got the RFE since mine wasnt approved yet and we have replied to that a month back . So, I just wanted to know why its takes so long to get the H1-B approval ? I heard that usually they reply to an RFE within 2-3 weeks . I asked my lawyer to call the INS and he says that it could take a maximum of 5 months to get the approval from the time RFE was applied ? So, I am just worried if I shoudl take any further steps to arrange for any alternative routes liek if my extension got denied , what would I do ? Can I look for a new employer and fiel a H1-B transfer ? Pl . let me know if you have any suggestions .

Thanks
Ganesh