F1 to H1B : How to apply for FY '07?

[hariananthan]

Thanks a lot in advance for your help. Here is my case:

1. I am an Indian citizen currently doing my Ph.D. in the US on an F-1 visa. The visa is valid until May 2008, and my I-20 is valid until May 2007. I plan to graduate in December 2006.

2. I have gotten a job in a company, and they might apply for my H1-B in the next week or so. If they apply, I expect to get my notice of action in a month or so. The start date will be October 1, 2006.

3. I am travelling to India in August-September. Can I schedule an appointment for a visa interview at a consulate in India before I get my notice of action?

4. Assuming the start date on my H1B is October 1, 2006, when is the earliest I can schedule an appointment to get my visa stamped? Can I do it in August?

5. Can I schedule an appointment for a visa interview at any one of the four locations (Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi or Kolkata)? My mother lives in Chennai and my father in Mumbai, and the address on my passport is in Chennai.

6. Can my parents pay the visa appointment fee at any HDFC bank in India, irrespective of where my visa interview is to be scheduled?

Thanks,
Hari