For 10-year-old Tyrone Sevilla and his mother Maria, a long and painful journey is about to come to an end.
Late last year the Immigration Department denied Maria's request for a Skilled Regional Provisional visa, on the grounds of Tyrone having autism.
The pair originally moved to Australia eight years ago from the Philippines.
Maria, a rehabilitative care nurse in Townsville, said in early April the experience of going through the visa rejection was painful as she could not plan for Tyrone's future.
"I can't plan to own my house, buy my own house, or settle here," she said.
"I don't know when they are going to ring me saying you need to go."
If Maria and Tyrone were returned to the Philippines, Maria said they would have nothing.
"If we have to go back to the Philippines we have to start everything from scratch," she said.
"Tyrone will need to get used to the environment, the people and the language.
"Whatever he has gained in Australia in the eight years we have been here, he needs to learn everything again."
Mass public outcry ensued and a change.org petition received over 125,000 signatures.
Hope
Earlier this month, Maria said having seen the strong public support, it made her feel more positive about the situation.
"I know how Australians are really passionate about what they fight for," she said.
“So I'm really lucky I guess because they know our situation.
“They are just looking after Tyrone - after a child.
"They don't care what race, nationality or colour we are, they are looking at Tyrone as a child who has needs."
The huge public support for Tyrone and Maria has brought many positive surprises.
A Townsville GP gave them a gift of a lifetime, offering to give Tyrone free health care until he turns 18.
The doctor also started a trust fund for Tyrone, which currently holds just over $20,000 – though he aims to raise it to $40,000 through donations.
Tyrone's mother Maria Sevilla said when the Townsville doctor first told her about the offer he thought by her reaction she had won the lotto.
"Hopefully this will send a message to Australian government - if Tyrone stays he won’t be a burden," Maria said at the time.
“They don’t care what race, nationality or colour we are, they are looking at Tyrone as a child who has needs.”
In late April a young boy called Ethan Egart appeared on ABC's Q&A program.
"Our government is going to deport a 10-year-old boy who is perfectly normal in every way," Ethan said.
"He can read and ride a bike, but he has autism.
“I went to after-school care with this boy and he can't speak - but he can use sign language to communicate with us.
“If he can get along with us and we can get along with him, why does he have to leave?"
Maria said she had goose bumps while watching Ethan on Q&A.
"He is not just Tyrone's friend," Maria said.
“He’s like a brother to Tyrone.
“He was really passionate about what he was trying to ask the panel - he’s a very compassionate boy.”
Late last month Maria and Tyrone travelled down to Brisbane to deliver the change.org petition to Minister Dutton's office.
"If Tyrone was a regular boy I wouldn’t fight this long," Maria said.
“I could look after Tyrone in the Philippines if he was a regular child, but because he has special needs and my work is here, it’s worth fighting for.”
Burden lifted
Earlier this week, Tyrone and Maria's fight paid off.
Immigration Minister Peter Dutton announced he will intervene in the matter, granting the pair permanent residence visas.
Queensland Nurses Union secretary Beth Mohle, who supported Maria throughout the ordeal, said she welcomed Minister Dutton's decision, though is waiting to see the final decision in writing.
"When I spoke with Maria earlier this week, we agreed like all nurses, if it's not document, it didn’t happen," Ms Mohle said.
"We’ll celebrate once it’s all in officially."
Ms Mohle said she hoped the decision will change perceptions on disabilities.
“People with a disability are not a burden on the community and this is a message the whole community is getting behind,” she said.
Earlier this week, following the announcement Minister Dutton will grant Tyrone a Maria a visa, Maria reflected on the past few months.
"It has been a journey for our family," Maria said.
"It was the toughest time in our lives, but it was bearable because we had lots of support.
"I have found new friends that are happy for us and have the same sentiments."
While Maria and Tyrone wait for final confirmation in writing, one thing is for certain - Tyrone has been granted a chance of a life he might not have had.
