CANADA – A non-profit group of former Filipino caregivers organized a workshop to help Pinoy nannies who have immigration concerns.

The Committee of Domestic Workers and Caregivers’ Rights (CDWCR) recently held an immigration workshop attended by representatives from the Immigration and Citizenship Canada.

The representatives answered Filipino caregivers’ questions about work permits, needed records, changing status among others.

"Hindi ko makuha yung asawa ko kasi hindi ko na-declare na married ako. Hindi ko nakuha yung mga anak ko kasi hindi sila nakalagay sa aking permit. That's very common. Nagtrabaho akong unauthorized, that's a no-no. Ang role namin as an organization is to give them that information that would prevent that from happening. Sometimes nagre-rely ang mga kababayan natin sa sabi-sabi," said Lorina Serafico of the CDWCR.

Estela Ligmayo had just graduated from the Live-in Caregiver Program and is waiting for her permanent residency.

A registered nurse back home, she wants to take further studies in Canada so she can practice her profession. However, her current status would not allow it.

"I need to get a study permit because my current visa is open work permit," Ligmayo said.

Ligmayo said she wants to know her options because she did not want to risk her pending application for permanent residency.

The CDWCR added many immigration problems can be avoided if caregivers just ask the right people about the matter.

"We want our members to understand that in Canada we follow the law. Walang lusot," said Serafico. Marieton Pacheco, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau and Balitang America