[slow&rusty]

You will need to get a TN (Trade Nafta) Visa, which is good for 12months of work and residency in the U.S. To qualify you will need the following:
1) A letter or offer of employment from the US employer
2) A copy of your University transcript showing that you have a certain technical training
3) Your Resume
4) Any certificates that enhance your porfession
5) Proof of Canadian Citizenship
6) Cost is $50

Not everyone qualifies for a TN, and you can be denied. If this is a first time, then you will be formally interviewed for about 20-30minutes by a Homeland Security Office at the Airport or Border, they want you to validate your skills, education and training.

Typically you have to be in a field where there is a deficit in the U.S, for example Engineers, Nurses, Doctors etc. On other words you cannot waltz into the U.S if you have a general Bachelor of Arts or general Bachelor of Science, the more specialized you are the better your chances.

If you do not have a degree, your chances will be slim.

You did not mention what your profession is or your wifes?

Once you get your TN VISA, your US employer can then choose to "sponsor you" and then you can apply for your H1B work visa (good for 3years and you can renew it only TWICE only), after that 6year period you go back to the yearly TN visa or better yet have your employer sponsor you for your Green Card.

Hope that helps and good luck.

Regards - Yasin