Hi ! question on H1B Petition eligibility critieria.

I hold 3 years Computers degree and working for TOP MNC in india for 2.9 years. *I joined on 12th July 2012. My Employer is initiating my visa understanding that by Oct 1, 2015, I will be completing 3 years anyways. Can you please tell me 3 years completion should be done before filing the petition or before applying for Visa ? or ?

Please note, I am very key resource and working for a very important client in US who is insisting to bring me to US. I wonder if H1B does not work if there is any other way ?
Kindly help with your experience and suggestions.

Before petition filing. not Oct 1st