Husband and Kids in the States - Residency Status

[homesick]

Hello all,
My husband took a job with a US company in July 2009 and he has been working there since then. I also have a working visa and I have been applying for the jobs but I have not had any luck as of yet. In the mean time our primary residence has been sold and we have moved our house down south - kids moved in with dad. I have been trying to either find a job or get a buyout package from my current Canadian employer ( they have let go a lot of people go last year with packages) but I have not been able to do so. Now I am planning to quit my job and move in with my family in the States. But my employer suggested I could take a year of leave of absence to look for a job in the States and if things go south I could come back to my job.
How would that affect our Canadian residency ?
Even if I do not take the leave of absence when does our US residency start ? Is it the date we moved our home or will it be date when I move in with my family ?
Currently I am staying with a friend - since we do not have a house in Canada.
Thanks

[nelsona]

Your husband is US resident from day he left for work. You will be the day you leave for US.

[homesick]

thanks Nelsona. Do you think one year leave of absence with my Canadian employer affect my residency status if I choose not to come back at the end of it.

thanks again

[nelsona]

no. you will be non-resdient while in US.