some questions regarding premium H1 extension

[jmxu]

Gurus, my H1 will expire in April 2004 (as in I-797). My current company has filed the H1 extension last week before my I-94 expired (Feb 2004). Right now I want to join in another company and initiate a H1B transfer. From the old posts, I understand that I'd better wait until the H1 extension is approved.

So I talked to my company lawyer about converting the H1B extension to a premium service. But she told me that I need to wait until she gets the H1 extension receipt before requesting for the premium one, is it correct? If it is true, when can I expect the receipt and extension to be approved?

Is there any other better way to get out of this situation? I do not know how long the new employer would like to wait for me.

What can be a good and professional explanation for the new employer regarding this issue? If I tell them that my H1 extension is still pending, I donot know how they will react.

Thank you for your suggestions.

 

[jaxen]

Yes, lawyer is right. you will receive the receipts in a few weeks.
You can tell the new company this pitch:
Since my extension application was mailed before you gave me a job offer, I have to wait till I get a decision on that petition. If I just file a transfer to your company and the current employer withdraws the H1 extension, I will be accumulating out of status days from my I94 exspiry date till the H1 transfer is approved. Even if you do premium processing, the pending extension also has to be premium processed. Are you ready to dole out the money upfront? Maximum 30 days, I can join you then