Some questions about application for exam

Hey everyone,

I am a fresh IMG, and just finished M.D in this September. I want to apply for the Steps, and I already went through the link for ECFMG Registration steps. I had a few doubts, and I'll be thankful if they can be answered.

1. I haven't yet received the final diploma. It will be out in November/December. However, I do have the mock diploma, with other supporting documents from the university. Can i still apply, and what specific changes/forms should I use?

2. I will have to first pay, in order for my credentials to be verified, or after the verification, I can pay the fee for the exam?

3. If I want to appear in January, when exactly should I start the application process, and how long does it usually take?

4. This form 186 is a real bummer! This is the part where its really confusing. So, from what I understand, I have to only send this 186 form to the University, and they will send it to ECFMG, and all the rest forms I send it myself to ECFMG? Or, I send all the forms to my university, and they send it to ECFMG?

Thanks for clearing these doubts!