The sponsorship for H-1B can be filed on April 1st 2007. You can start working on H-1B only from October 1st 2007. the initial approval will be for 3 eyars, which can be extended gradually. The cost is 190 for form I-129 +500 for anti fraud fee+ 750 or 1500 depending on the company size reciprocal to the number of H-1B employees. If you want to file a premium processing , an addition of $1000 is required. Generally lawyers charge 750 upto 2500 depending on the law firm and lawyers.