I'm seeking some information regarding how this status change process might work. Please let me know if you have been through this same situation or know of someone going through it...

I was in H1 until September 2010 working as a full time employee for an health insurance company as software developer. I moved to different state and couldn't find any job then had to go to Nepal. I came back in H4. Currently i've started to look again for consulting or full time positions.

So my question is:  If i do find a job, do i have to apply for new h1 petition? (unfortunately quota was recently up for this year) or can my hiring firm/consulting firm transfer my previous h1 and if yes, how is the transfer process and time frame.

thanks in advance for you time and help!