I have been a resident in Canada for 8 months and I am now going to the US for 2 years in order to study (too hard to find a job up here, unless I was ready to become a sweeper, coming from a management background...). It is a hassle for me to have to come back to Canada after the US, as I may find a much better job there, but I don't want to lose my oh-so-expensive Canadian residence. I was wondering if anybody knows:

1- how can the CIC know that I am out of Canada, if no one tell them? Do they check tax record, airport/airline record, driving license address...?
2- Do I have to apply for any kind of returning permit upon completion of my studies?
3- Is there a way that I could apply for citizenship in canada before the 1095 days, and that my stay in the US could be counted towards Canadian citizenship? (without having to marry a Canadian living in US, or finding a Canadian employer there, which is mission impossible since I could not even find one in Canada!).

Let's face it: the US and Canada are very integrated, so why not count stays in the US toward the 1095 day??? Canadians, don't be so proud!