WP to Tier 1 - tricky situation for dependants

Hi
I am in the process of submitting an application for WP to Tier 1 switching however I am unable to include my dependants' application along with mine because they are due to travel to India in 3 weeks. I know they are pretty quick these days but I can't quite rely on that and send the passports, therefore being unable to travel. In light of this, I have a couple of questions:

1. Can I submit my application here as originally planned and get my Wife and son to apply in India? I am not sure how this works because technically their applications are 'in country' applications but being made from outside the country.

2. I wanted to apply in person so I can get the passports back the same day but the in-person appointments for all the 7 PEOs are taken up for the next 6 weeks. Is it possible to get an appointment through some agencies by paying a fee or something?

Thanks
Nanda