As a Canadian, the TN visa is by far the easiest get. If you qualify, you just get it at the border when you enter. You typically need a job offer, be qualified for the job, and the job needs to be on this list:

http://www.nafsa.org/_/file/_/amresource/8cfr2146.htm

The TN visa has the advantage that the company doesn't need to do anything really, just make sure the job description ticks all the boxes for the immigration officers at the border. Other visa classes are more complex and costly (H1-B) and usually have the same kind of qualification requirements.

"Computer Systems Analyst" is the usual job title for programming jobs, you will need either a degree, or some post-secondary school training + 3 years experience. You can probably word your degrees + training to satisfy the education requirement.

The steps to get this visa are outlined here:

http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/employment/naf...