Naturalization Requirements before 1790
Pre-1790 British immigrants were automatically citizens of the colonies (British empire). A few Protestant immigrants from other countries gave oaths of allegiance or appeared before a civil authority to request citizenship (a process sometimes referred to as denization). Seven of the original colonies had their own laws for naturalizing foreigners as citizens of the British empire colony. After the Revolutionary War, the individual states established their own naturalization laws and procedures.
NATURALIZATION REQUIREMENTs 1790
In 1790 the first federal law regarding naturalization required residency in the United States for two years and in a state for one year, but each state continued to provide naturalization under a variety of requirements and procedures until 1906.
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Start your Ancestry free trialNATURALIZATION REQUIREMENTS 1802-1868
From 1802 to 1868 an individual had to prove residency in a state for one year and in the country for five years. A declaration of intention had to be filed at least two years before the final papers or petition could be filed.
NATURALIZATION REQUIREMENTS 1868
Since 1868 persons who were born in the United States or naturalized have been guaranteed citizenship rights. This included Black Americans but excluded most American Indians until 1924.
NATURALIZATION REQUIREMENTS 1906 to present
In 1906 the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization was created to standardize laws and procedures. Residency in a state for one year and in the United States for five years continues to be a basic requirement.
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