H-1 Extension question

[Sam6]

Hello
My current H-1 expires on April 9th,2004.I wanted to find out how early i need to file for the extension.
Also it is possible to file for the extension but do premium processing right now itself as i probably would have to travel out of the country in Feb/Mar 04,so that i can get the I-797 in the next 2-3 weeks?

Thanks
Sam6

 

[jaxen]

6 months before- with a future start date. But some service centers issue H1 with a start date of approval date.