oh so technically you can send your C09 renewal by the end of September. You should be fine. I know USCIS website show that processing time taking 14 months. However, on average people are getting approved between 6 to 8 months.
i got your point. Since your VAWA is approved what's the status of your i-485? When did you submit that? Don't you think you will get your green card by then?
Yes you can use C31 for work and travel with C09. I have done that last year.
Yes you can apply based on C31. However, i would say apply based on C09 because it would be free.