Has anyone successfully transitioned from remote work to a US work visa sponsorship? (International architect here)

Hey everyone! I'm an architect based in Indonesia looking to eventually work in the US. I don't have a US degree or work visa, so I'm wondering if the "remote-first" route is a viable path.

Has anyone here started out working remotely for a US firm from their home country and then got sponsored for a work visa to relocate? If so, how did that process look? Did the company initiate it, or did you have to push for it? And how long did it typically take?

Any insight or personal experience would be hugely appreciated!