just curious which state u are working in ?? is it CA ?

i think the best way is to tell them exact situation and tell them its nothing hard and u can take care of the H1b visa.. and if they dont feel like paying say u will even hire the lawyer .. u can find any decent employment lawyer for like $1000 or $2000... and they can file for your h1b.. technically company shud do that but since u say they dont know anythign abt h1b.