Members of a South Korean family in Moncton are celebrating their new status as permanent residents in Canada.

The news comes just three years after the Maeng family received a deportation order from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

The federal government determined in 2011 that care for then 15-year-old Sung-Joo, who is autistic and epileptic, would be too expensive.

Jung-Joo (John) Maeng and his family are relieved and happy to finally be permanent residents of Canada after coming close to being deported in 2011. (CBC) Jung-Joo (John) Maeng, the eldest son and family spokesman, says waiting to hear whether their application for permanent residency would be approved under humanitarian and compassionate grounds was agonizing. Maeng, the eldest son and family spokesman, says waiting to hear whether their application for permanent residency would be approved under humanitarian and compassionate grounds was agonizing.

"It almost made us sick to our stomach a little bit," he said. "With the deportation order, it was something that happened overnight so we knew that it could happen again."

In 2011, people in Moncton rallied behind the family and within days, the Maengs were granted a temporary stay of three years, while their permanent residency application was processed.

"Without the support of Monctonians … we just don't think we would have the same results."

In 2011 hundreds of people turned out in Moncton to show support for the Maeng family after a deportation order was issued by Citizenship and Immigration. The family has now been granted permanent residency. (CBC) ​Jung-Joo says the permanent residency became official on Dec. 23 and has been a huge relief for his parents.

"A lot of weight off the shoulders because in the past, with the temporary residence permit, even with that it was uneasy whether we would get it or not."

Sung-Joo is now 18, and John says his health has improved.

The next step for the Maeng family is to apply for citizenship which could take another few years.

In the meantime the family will continue to run a Korean grocery and convenience store in Moncton.

Jung-Joo is completing a bachelor of science degree at Dalhousie University in Halifax with hopes of going into dentistry.

"It's good to know that there are people behind our backs that will help us and support us," he said.