H1B Extension / 485 Filing help

[movings]

Hi Guys,
Need some help from you all.

1) How many months before H1B expiration Date can we apply for H1B extension.

My h1b is going to expire in Feb, 2007. my visa got expired Jan 2005.
I'm planning to go to Mexico to get visa stamping but if I do it now I'm going get only 6 months visa and I need to go for visa stamping again after 6months. so now my question is can my employer apply for extension now it self (May 2006)? I've a approved I-140 so I think I'm going to get a 3yr extension? How do we specify to get a 3yr extension?
so that I can get a 3yr visa.

2) My Labor Priority Date is Feb 2001 (EB3, India), which is current as of now (May 2006). I can apply for I-485, I'm holding off on that for my marriage. I'm planning to get married some time next year (may-June 2007). so wondering is it good idea to apply now or to wait. I know if my 485 gets approved before my marriage I can't bring my wife here as a dependent. is there any way I can delay any process if I want to? like extending finger printing 1/2 times or some thing like that?

Any inputs/suggestions would greatly appreciated.

Thank You All.
--CS

[red44]

I believe you can apply for H1b extension no earlier than 6 months before expiry date.

[meha]

you get a three year extension if your employer shows intent to keep you on the job for the next 3 years.

[movings]

H1B Extension / 485 Filing help

Okay Guys I Spoke to my Attorney, this is what he told me after charging $150 consultation fee.

1) How many months before H1B expiration Date can we apply for H1B extension.

Answer : 6 Months prior to the H1B expiration Date

3yr extension is only applicable when priority date is NOT current (in my case it is so no 3yr extension ) ( and also if 485 application is pending)

2) My Attorney says there is no particular way of delaying 485 process after filing, one can extend finger printing for 60-80 days, that the only option.

if you guys know any better way of dealing with this, please post it here.

===========================05/19/2006==============
Okay Guys I Spoke to my Attorney, this is what he told me after charging $150 consultation fee.

1) How many months before H1B expiration Date can we apply for H1B extension.

Answer : 6 Months prior to the H1B expiration Date

3yr extension is only applicable when priority date is NOT current (in my case it is so no 3yr extension ) ( and also if 485 application is pending)

2) My Attorney says there is no particular way of delaying 485 process after filing, one can extend finger printing for 60-80 days, that the only option.

if you guys know any better way of dealing with this, please post it here.