I recently arrived in Canada, from New Zealand, and I've been looking at how to migrate to the US - preferably without going through all the heavy application fees and pain-in-the-ass interviews.

I've just found what I consider to be the most convenient way, by far. Those with Canadian or Mexican citizenship and who fit the list of professions here can gain three-year work eligibility with virtually automatic extensions, by way of the TN Visa (from NAFTA): http://www.consular.canada.usembassy.gov/nafta_professions.asp

All one needs to do is get a letter from an employer offering a job, bring evidence of professional qualification and citizenship, and pay $50 at the border. (No fees, paperwork, or interviews prior to entry.)

Here is the wikipedia site, which seems to fit with the US Consulate information.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TN_status

Fortunately, I have Canadian citizenship, so all I have to do now is find an employer willing to hire me under the title of "economist" or "research assistant." I'm going to post this note on the FSP forum, and perhaps someone will be able to help me with a fitting employer.