Stranded RESP earnings / Transfer to RRSP

[riskybiz64]

When we left Canada for USA over a decade ago, I withdrew all contributions and repaid CESG funds for a family RESP that had been set up for my two children. There was a small amount of RESP earnings that could not be removed from the account (about $1500) that has since grown to around $3500. Statements have been going to my parents' address and never declared with my other foreign accounts on FBAR (mostly because I forgot about it). Since neither of my kids is a Canadian resident, nor has plans to be, we can't use the funds for their benefit, and because it's a family plan, I can't change the beneficiary to my niece or nephew.

I understand that an unused RESP can be rolled tax-free into an RRSP once both kids are over 21. Is this a viable option for me as a Canadian non-resident? I've basically ignored the fact that this account existed for all this time, and don't want to open a cross-border tax can of worms for such a small amount, but if it's accessible and relatively simple to do, I'd prefer not to leave the account stranded.

[nelsona]

Sure. As song as you find a brokerage that will accept "new" money into the RRSP you can do this.