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Our child was diagnosed with cancer a few days after endorsing the IR-1 visa. We are still in Canada, and our child is facing two years of treatment, so there is no possible way to move with such a sick child in the foreseeable months or maybe years. We need some answers on what to expect on multiple fronts. Concerning the visa: I believe that we can get a reentry permit which will allow us to be physically absent from USA for up to two years without jeopardizing the visa. I would not want to abuse that option, but I don't see any other viable way. Can someone confirm? Concerning where I (the immigrating spouse) am a resident for income tax purposes: I believe the laws are clear in both Canada and the USA. I am officially a resident of USA, visiting Canada. Or does someone know of some exception for unforeseen tragedies? Concerning where my wife (USC spouse) is resident for income tax purposes: I have not been able to find an IRS agent who can answer this question. Revenue Canada agents have told me that she remains a resident of Canada until the day she physical relocates, regardless of where her LPR spouse is considered a resident. Since it is an IR-1 visa instead of CR-1, I believe that her actions or country of residence are in no way tied to the visa of her immigrating spouse after the visa is issued (except, of course, for financial support, which isn't a question in our case). It seems that no one can answer my questions with any authority, yet the answer will have profound consequences. There are child tax credits, GST credits, medical bills, etc. which are all tied to our country of residence. If we start out wrong, the tangle will only get worse. Thanks for all your help. I have learned to really respect the wealth of support on VJ.

Does anyone have their parents file their foreign pensions as part of their income on their taxes? This would help the zero income and get the state subsidys.