During Off-Peak time (Feb, March, April, May, October, November), they will give you the date after 2 week of submitting the visa application. So, during peak time like Dec -Jan and July-September, you calculate. At least you need a month vacation or more. No priority for H1. Don't waste your time and mind thinking for it. Thats it.

They hold your passport for stamping not more than 2 days, if everything goes well. Don't know if they have do some inquiry regarding your employment.