Final J1 waiver from USCIS and H1B premium processing

[aviator007aks]

Hi,

I have a couple of questions:

1) I received my J1 waiver recommendation from DOS, on which basis my employer applied for H1B petition in premium processing. Do I need to get final J1 waiver from USCIS before I can get my H1B petition approved or not?

2)I am currently on J1 visa and my employer applied for COS to H1B, I received an RFE for speciality occupation which my employer has already responded however my H1B is not yet approved. In this scenarion, what happens if my J1 gets expired and my H1B is still pending with USCIS?

Thanks for clarification in advance.