I've been to that situation.. I am a filipina caregiver, and mybstatus when i applied here was married. Before i sent mynPR application, i filed for a divorce here in canada... Together with my application is a letter statingbthe reason why i am dropping my husbannd in mynapplication,mi also stated there what happened to us. I told them also that my divorce is on process and willmupdate them as soon as i get my divorced. Yes divorce is not recognize in philippines BUT you are here in canada,myou are applying for PR here so under canadian law, divorced is recognized here. Now, i am already divorced,, i already updated immigration about my divorced and my PR IS on process.. We have a daughter and i also get the sole custody of our child.. If youll put "separated" theres no way that you can prove that, because theres is no such thing as separation certificate as per my lawyer's advice, divorce is better and it is more legal. And as what ive heard.. Immigration will likely... accept divorced as status... you can d your divorce alone without a lawyer.. Just go to the supreme court.. And somebody will guide you on what papers to fill out... But me, i have a lawyer because divorce is really a stressful thing... So goodluck! Dont wort just explain tothe immigration that you marriage is on the rock and your divorce is on process .. Just write them a letter togeteher with your application.. Hope this will help