Autistic boy's mum learnt of visa in media

The mother of an autistic boy spared deportation to the Philippines says she's yet to receive official word the pair can stay in Australia.

Maria Sevilla and her ten-year-old son Tyrone had been in danger of being deported because of medical expenses incurred by Tyrone's autism spectrum disorder.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton told reporters on Monday he'd grant a permanent visa to the pair, who have been living in Townsville for eight years.

Ms Sevilla says she found out about the visa through the media.

"I'm really hopeful that one of these days Mr Dutton is going to give the official documentation that we are really here permanently, she told ABC radio on Tuesday.

"If that happens I am really grateful."

She thanked the minister and the Australians who supported Tyrone, including 125,000 Australians signatories to an online petition.

She said Tyrone was his usual happy self when she heard the news.

"I just held his hand and we were jumping. He thought we were like playing," she said.

A spokeswoman for Immigration Minister Peter Dutton told AAP department officials spoke to Ms Sevilla and her migration agent on Friday to inform her of the decision.