realis, what you have to realize is that they are in it only for the money and not to provide you any service, at least that's what i think. i've been thru it so been there... done that. they offer you only contract positions because they can charge the company a VERY high rate. the rate for short term contracts are very high compared to salary positions. lets say, in los angeles a developer with 6 yrs of experience and green card can make about $100,000 plus benefits. but on contract the billing rate can be as high as $100/hr for a 6 month contract. the poor developer on H1b will actually get only $30 - 40/hr. so someone is actually making money. you can figure it out. with 2-4 levels of middlemen you won't get much of that $100. if you need to take this route...what you have to realise is that you have to use these desi consultants to your advantage. after you are in the contract start networking and making friends. then f*** the contract and start out on your own if you find a reliable H1B holder. try and minimize the number of middlemen.