Michael Stiege, a dual citizen and veteran of both Canadian winters and Californian sunshine, shares the unexpected challenges of moving north.
Michael Stiege, at 75, has navigated a life full of transitions. Born in Stuttgart, Germany, he moved to Canada as a child when his parents relocated. Growing up in Toronto and moving through western Canada, Michael eventually made his way to Silicon Valley, driven by a desire to escape the long, dark winters of the north. “I needed warmer weather,” he confided, “and the long winter nights really got to me.”
His professional journey led him to California, where his engineering degree and MBA made him a valuable asset. However, despite spending nearly three decades in the U.S., Michael eventually found himself back in Canada. He’s been back for 15 years, planning to split his time between the two countries.
Moving to Canada as an American isn’t as straightforward as many might think. Although Americans can travel to Canada visa-free, transitioning from a visitor to a resident involves hurdles. Michael pointed out how friends found themselves caught in bureaucratic red tape. “This fellow’s a Ph.D., and a really smart technical guy,” Michael explained, “but the merit-based point system worked against them because of their age.” In Canada, the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) which scores individuals by age, education, and other factors, leaves those over 45 at a disadvantage.
Canada’s immigration policy favors younger, skilled individuals, making it tough for older folks to secure necessary work visas. “You can visit for six months if you leave before it’s up,” Michael noted, “But you won’t get access to the social system and healthcare.”
Michael’s life in the U.S. was marked by affordability in renting over buying, a choice influenced by the significant property taxes in California. “I paid $3,200 monthly in Los Altos Hills,” he recounted. Property taxes for a $3 million home, he said, could reach $40,000 yearly in California, compared to significantly less in Toronto. This economic calculus ultimately led him to invest in stocks rather than real estate during his time in the States.
Now settled in Canada, Michael enjoys a summer home in the lake country. Nevertheless, he admits that the cold still lingers. “If I ever move back to the US,” Michael mused, “my preference is California.”
Michael Stiege’s story is a testament to the complexity of modern life across borders. While his roots are firmly planted in Canada, he has found a way to balance the warmth of California with the familiarity of home. His journey highlights the nuanced realities of immigration, underscoring the fact that even dual citizenship doesn’t always simplify relocation.
Source: Yahoo
