Heartbreak for the children of a Sri Lankan family at the heart of a humanitarian crisis in Queenstown.

Dinesha Wijerathne's working visa was declined on health conditions after developing multiple sclerosis while living here for seven years.

They were supposed to be deported today, but that's on hold after the family lodged a last-minute appeal.

Wijerathne said her children are being barred from going to their school early next year.

"I check in with school, they say they can come to school on the sixth, after that they can't."

The family's hopes have been raised thanks to the support of the local community.

Local MP Hamish Walker is organising a march for the family on Sunday to help their cause.

Wijerathne said the family has three urgent needs.

"My kids want to go to school, and my medicine, I need to continue my medicine, and my husband can start to work."