We transfered guys to Houston before (last employer). If you know someone in Calgary who works for a company that operates down south they might be able to "arrange" this for you. You'll have to work for the company for at least a year. We paid the lawyer $1500 to prepare the documentation for the visa application. There are special circumstances that must apply to get the visa ie if you are mgmt, special skills, engineer, doctor, nurse. Perhaps you've been through all of this. I got my visa because I was a specialist with the company software products.
