Dude, you can't just apply for a work visa and then go find a job. Most of those people you were talking about were probably sponsored by their company. And probably got married to gain citizenship. A work visa does not automatically mean you are a legal resident. You are a Resident ALIEN. You still don't have a green card, and you still don't 'automatically' become a citizen. Once the work visa expires, the company has to renew it. If they don't renew it, you can't stay.
Trust me. It is not that simple. Three ways to become permanent resident and then citizen:
1. Get Married
2. Get sponsored (i.e. by another family member)
3. Win the yearly Visa (Green Card) lottery
That's it.
Trust me. It's NOT that simple.