I see, thanks. So if I am unsure of my status, to be safe, I should let me wife (the PR visa holder) carry all our money...why should I pay income tax on money earned abroad (which has already been taxed here in China).
I called Revenue Canada the other day and found out that they do not have an official record that I became a non-resident for tax purposes. When I first moved abroad, I went to the Canadian Embassy and filled out some forms specifically relating to being a non-resident. I don't know what happened, but obviously someone dropped the ball. Luckily, the officer I spoke to from Revenue Canada was really cool (she was also applying for sponsorship for her husband to immigrate to Canada). She put a note on my file that states when I became a non-resident. She warned me, however, that this could raise a flag with RC...but she said I don't have anything to worry about because there is no outstanding tax issue on my file and that there is nothing in my file that could cause legal issues.
I suppose my son, he'll be around 2 when we land in Canada, could carry some $$ as well...it would be pretty funny if the tax code called for income taxes to be paid by a child...but ultimately I do not want to give any money to the Canadian government until I begin working in the country...and receiving benefits...
The one thing I don't like is the high taxes we have to pay, but if I weigh all the pros and cons of living in or outside Canada, there is no doubt that living in Canada is better for my family...