Patton Eidson and his wife Sonja were convicted and sentenced to jail on fraud charges last year.

The couple, aged in their 60s, lived under false names in the far north Queensland town of Julatten for nearly 30 years as valued members of the community.

They came to Australia from the United States in the 1980s on false passports.

That was allegedly so Mr Eidson could avoid prosecution in the US on a one-tonne cannabis haul.

He was released from prison late last month and is now living in the community with his wife.

The Department of Immigration says the couple has been granted bridging visas while they resolve their immigration status.