H1b visa renewal options- 2006 visa-expired in 2009-want renewed again

I got H1b visa filed through one of the company/consulting firms in US in year 2006 & valid till Oct 2009. Travelled US once on that Visa & came back to India within month due some urgent family reasons. My query is- 1. Is it possible to get the same H1b petition renewed this year 2013 or have to file new petition. 2. If it can be renewed can the same employer do to again. 3. If yes what is the process & cost for renewing the H1b visa, time it will take . 4. If no, are there any consulting firm who file new H1b applications for indivuals.

You can use the old petition only if you were in h1b status within the last 6 years. Count 6 yrs from the data of exit from US. If its more than 6 , you cannot use the old one. You will need to file a new one through next years cap…