BeShoo: thanks so much for your thorough replies: lots of good info there. The link to the thread was really helpful and saved me a lot of looking around.
I called CBSA today and duty on our Japanese manufactured car will be 6.1%. I don't want to pay an extra $1k (incl GST) to import it beyond what I already paid. I guess I'll have to buy a NA made car and bring that across.
BeShoo and Leon: Leon, thanks for your reply. Along w BeShoo's info, it's now settled in my mind that moving and living should NOT ever be mentioned before my wife has her PR. You both stated I'd have to show intent to move back to Canada in order for me to apply outland while I'm living in the US. Your advice was corroborated when I found this on CIC website under Guide 3900:
"If I live outside Canada, may I sponsor?
If you are a Canadian citizen, you may sponsor a spouse, a common-law partner or conjugal partner, or a dependent child who has no children of his or her own. However, you must demonstrate that you will live in Canada when the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident."
My conundrum is how the hell do I prove that??? Do I have to rent a place in Canada for the months our apps will be processing? The toll free # for CIC doesn't work down here and the LA Cdn consulate says it gives no immigration/visa info.
I suppose at this point I should apply outland right away to get the process going. I read some posts that advised doing the medical exam and police check after you apply instead of including it with the app as CIC tells us to. Any thoughts on that?
Thanks for your replies.