Out of curiosity, how does the process of job hunting work in the Ontario area if they get a job in SV? Does the SV company offer a visa permit or does the student apply for work permit in advance?
I'm a Canadian who recently relocated to SV from London, UK. Before that I was at RIM/BBRY in Waterloo. After receiving my job offer and an invitation letter from the company I flew to the US and, at the border, applied for a "TN Status". Cost me $50 and about an hour and a half. It gives me a 3 year work permit at my employer, which is renewable.
Particularly for Canadians <-> Americans going across the border int tech, this is made quite easy by the TN "visa" program (it isn't really a visa, but part of the NAFTA agreement).
In other cases, the work status conversation is an important part of hiring and negotiation.
You interview, you get the offer, and the lawyers at the company apply for the visa for you.
There are some exception cases where an open-ended visa is possible, but this is uncommon - but if you're famous in the industry you may qualify.