Ask HN: Will companies hire foreign interns and what salary to expect?

Hi

I'm a foreign student at a silicon valley community college. I already made an software developer apprenticeship in Switzerland and have 7 years experience in the job. Starting next March I will be able to work 20 hours/week in an OPT program. 2 semesters later i'll finish the AA degree and will, since i have enough work experience, qualify for the H1B visa. Of course i would like to stay in the same company. The question is now if companies are willing to hire foreign students as interns. I guess that would be quite a lot of work for them and I know the economy is not the best right now, but it seems to me that software developers are still in short supply. And the other question is: what salary could i expect as an intern? I mean, I could work as a normal software developer in that company, since I have enough experience.

Thx Simon