I have a H4 visa stamp valid until January 9th 2009. I just received receipt notice of my H1B application for 2007 fiscal year (first H1B) and it is being processed under the regular processing (NOT premium). What is the approximate processing time for H1B regular processing?

I have to travel to India next month and will be returning in a month. Can I travel to India and return on my H4 visa without any issues while my H1B is being processed for approval?

If I wait until my H1B visa is approved, can I travel and return on my H4 visa because the H1B visa doesn't start until 1st October and I can't stay in India until 10 days before H1B visa start date (October 1st) but want to go to India next month.

Would greatly appreciate your advice and response

You can travel as long as your H-4 is valid.