The Special Migration stream of Australia's migration program is designed to target migrants who fall within a number of groups:

• those having close ties with Australia
  
• those of distinguished talent
  
• former residents wanting to return to Australia

Close Ties category


To be eligible under the Close Ties category, you must be living in Australia and be seeking to remain in Australia as a permanent resident.


Distinguished Talent Category


The Distinguished Talent program is designed to attract persons who want to settle permanently in Australia and are able to demonstrate they have an internationally-recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession, the arts, sport or research and academia.


Former Resident category


To be eligible under the Former Resident category, you must be living outside Australia and be seeking to return to Australia as a permanent resident.