The US Government offers the H1B visa to enable highly skilled International Workers and International Students, from all over the World, and to those who are already in the USA, the opportunity to legally live and work in America.

The Process to obtain an H1B visa:
To obtain an H1B visa, an applicant must, first, find a job with an H1B visa employer company in the USA; commonly known as your 'H1B sponsor'.
Your H1B sponsor then applies for / files your H1B visa application. Individuals can NOT sponsor or apply for their own H1B visa - ONLY your new employer (sponsor) can. 

An H1B visa is typically valid for up to six (6) years and entitles your spouse (husband/wife) and children to accompany you and 'live' in America.
One of the main advantages of the H1B visa (US work permit) is that it is a 'dual intent' visa which means that you can apply for a Green Card (Legal Permanent Residency).