Kristoffer began the journey of a lifetime when he moved to the U.S. from the Philippines in 2016. He moved to Hayward, California on the F1 visa and studied at California State University, East Bay.
After passing the NCLEX in 2018, Kristoffer, a Conexus nurse, began looking for healthcare jobs in the USA and had a difficult time finding an employer that offered sponsorship.
“I called everywhere and they don’t take international students,” he said, “And I came upon Conexus, and they’re the only ones taking international students to file for adjustment of status.”
After Conexus helped place him at a hospital, he moved across the country with his wife and two children, beginning his U.S. career in West Virginia.
“It’s been good. It was hard a little bit at first because you know – adjustments – which is normal,” he said. “Conexus has been very supportive.”
With help from the Conexus in-house immigration team, Kristoffer went from working on his OPT to having a Green Card as of December 2021. This puts him one step closer to living his American dream with his family.
“Now that we have our permanent residency – that's one of the main steps,” he said. “Now getting settled in, hopefully to get our citizenship in the next couple of years, and get the dream home- travel the U.S. and stuff – we're getting there!”
Although change can be difficult at times, Kristoffer remained positive. “I just want to express my appreciation to Conexus,” he said. “From California all the way to West Virginia and everything in between. It’s such an adventure."