Between 1916 and 1926, and again between 1939 and 1971, immigrants to Australia who were not British subjects had restrictions placed on them in the interest of Australia's national security.
These immigrants, or 'aliens', had to be registered and report all changes of name, address, job or marital status.
The National Archives of Australia holds alien registration forms for these immigrants. The details on each form may include:
- the ship and date of arrival
- date and place of birth
- occupation
- marital status
- a physical description or photograph
- addresses in Australia.
During the First World War and Second World War, many aliens in Australia were interned in internment camps.
Searching for internment and alien registration records
To search for records of a person who may have been interned or classed as an alien, go to RecordSearch and enter the name you are searching for.
Ask us a question if you are unable to locate the records you need.
More information
Research guides
- Allies, enemies and trading partners: records on Australia and the Japanese, by Pam Oliver, 2004
- Chinese immigrants and Chinese-Australians in NSW, by Julie Stacker and Peri Stewart, 2003
- Chinese–Australian journeys: records on travel, migration, and settlement, 1860–1975, by Paul Jones, 2005
- More people imperative: immigration to Australia, 1901–39, by Dr Michele Langfield, 1999
- Safe haven: records of the Jewish experience in Australia, by Malcolm J Turnbull, 1999