Hornet,. .. . Good luck with the lottery route, this year will be my 4th year trying. I understand that some countries are not eligible, so check before you enter. There is no fee, so don't pay some lawyer for it.. .. . The work visa you are after is a H-1B. You are allowed to work for the same company for 3 years and then renew it for a further 3 yrs. After the 6th year, you are supposed to leave for a year. Anytime you decide to switch companies in between, you have to apply for new paperwork for the new company.. .. . Most companies will not sponsor cuz of the paperwork and the fees but there are a few out there. Keep knocking and one's bound to open.. .. .Helpful web address : <a href="http://www.ins.gov" target="_blank">www.ins.gov</a>. .. .Good Luck.