A family living in Australia for 10 years face deportation after their son was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.

The potential cost of treatment for Darragh Hyde, three, led to the rejection of Anthony and Christine Hyde's application for permanent residency.

Anthony and Christine, from Dublin, migrated in 2009 and are living in the town of Seymour, Victoria.

Darragh was born in Australia.

Mrs Hyde is an assistant principal at the local primary school and Mr Hyde is a part-time bus driver.

The couple met the criteria for a skilled visa and were able to apply for permanent residency in 2015.

While undergoing medical tests as part of the application Darragh was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.   

Their application was rejected because if Darragh needs a lung transplant it would cost taxpayer money.

The couple appealed the decision as their son was taking medication called Kalydeco, covered under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).  

Mrs Hyde told Nine News : "It's made a huge difference. He has never had any hospital admissions and he doesn't go to the doctors any more or less than any other three-year-old."

However, he was still seen as a 'burden' due to his reliance on the PBS-funded medication.  

The couple are set to appeal their case to the Administrative Review Tribunal on April 30. 

They have also set up a petition, which has almost 6,000 signatures and they hope to draw attention to their story and avoid being deported. 

'Please sign and help us ask the Minister to let our son stay in Australia,' they said.

A spokesperson from the Department of Home Affairs said: "For certain visas, primary criteria for the grant of the visa requires that all members of a family unit satisfy certain requirements.

"If one of the members of a family unit does not satisfy these requirements, then the primary applicant will not meet the criteria for the grant of the visa."

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