They were often filed shortly after arrival, sometimes at the port of entry. The final papers did not have to be filed in the same court, or even the same state as the first papers. Often the immigrant moved during the intervening residency requirement waiting period. This requirement was waived after 1922. Before 1906 the declaration usually contained only the name, date of intention, date of document, place of birth, port of entry, date of entry, and signature.
Petitions are requests to petition the court to grant citizenship.
They also show where the declaration of intention was filed. Before 1906 the petition usually contained only the name, current residence, occupation, place of birth, date of birth or age, port of entry, and date of entry. These were generally filed in the same court as the Petition. The person who was naturalized retained the original certificate. Copies of the certificate can be found in court files, land claims, passport applications, etc.