Basics on naturalisation records (Australia)
Persons who were not British subjects - "aliens" - did not have rights of citizenship, such as the right to vote or own land. Naturalisation was the means by which aliens gained those rights.
Naturalisation was the responsibility of the individual colonies and their successor states until 1903. From 1903 the Australian Government became responsible and subsequent naturalisation records are held by the National Archives of Australia.
New South Wales
Prior to 1849 there was no such law in NSW - for an alien to own land required an act of parliament, a process known as denization. From 1849 new laws provided for naturalisation of applicants born outside the British Empire and who had lived in NSW for at least five years.
Applications generally provided full name, native place, occupation, age, and the date and ship of arrival. Those applying were generally men, from places such as China, USA, or the various countries of Europe or South America. Persons born in New Zealand, Canada, Ireland etc, already being British subjects, will not be found.
Ship and year of arrival are often omitted or incorrect, perhaps reflecting failing memory or simply lack of knowledge, as in the case of someone who arrived as an infant.
The Naturalisation index, 1834-1903 is online and provides access to the following records:
- Letters of denization 1834-1847
- Certificates of naturalisation 1849-1876
- Registers of certificates of naturalisation 1849-1859 & 1876-1903
- Lists of aliens to whom certificates of naturalisation were issued 1849-1876.
SAG holds copies of these records. Applications for naturalisation can be found within the Colonial Secretary's Correspondence.
Queensland
SAG holds copies of Oaths of Allegiance - Extracts, 1858-1903 and Naturalisations, 1858-1903.
Victoria
SAG holds copies of Naturalisation records, 1847-1904. The National Archives of Australia (NAA) holds naturalisation records for Victoria (1852-1903).
South Australia
SAG holds an Index, 1848-1903 and Naturalisations, 1850-1903. The National Archives of Australia (NAA) holds naturalisation records for South Australia (1848-1903).
Tasmania
The Archives Office of Tasmania has an online index to naturalisation applications from 1835-1905.