PM confirms Trump will honour refugee deal

Malcolm Turnbull has confirmed Donald Trump's decision to honour a deal with the US to resettle asylum seekers from Nauru and Manus Island.

Following a 25-minute conversation with the new president, the prime minister said the pair discussed the arrangement struck under the previous Obama administration.

"I thank President Trump for his commitment to honour that existing agreement," the prime minister told reporters in Canberra on Monday.

Mr Turnbull refused to provide further details about the agreement but said screening was a matter for US officials.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said the process may take some time, as he warned people smugglers not to exploit the announcement as an opportunity to put people on boats.

"The government's resolve remains as strong as it's ever been," he said.