Simplifying Naturalization: Good Moral Character for Naturalization: Requirements, Examples & USCIS Guidelines

When you are applying for U.S. citizenship, you will come across a term that might sound a bit scary: "Good Moral Character"—sometimes abbreviated as GMC. This is a standard part of the naturalization process, and is designed to ensure that new citizens will be positive contributors to their communities. Don't worry! It is not about judging your personal worth or digging into every detail of your life.

In this guide, we'll break down what Good Moral Character means, what affects it (and what doesn't), and how you can demonstrate it when you submit your naturalization application.

What Is Good Moral Character?

Good Moral Character basically means that you've been a law-abiding resident who adheres to the basic moral standards of the U.S. community. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) typically looks at your conduct during the five years immediately before you file your application (or three years if you're married to a U.S. citizen).

Updated USCIS Guidelines — August 2025

On August 15 2025, USCIS announced a return to a more comprehensive, holistic approach to evaluating Good Moral Character. This means officers will now consider not just the absence of wrongdoing, but also your positive contributions to the community and evidence of your character development.

Key Concept: Statutory Period

The "statutory period" is the time frame USCIS examines for Good Moral Character. For most applicants, it's the 5 years before filing. For those married to U.S. citizens, it's 3 years. Keep this time frame in mind as we discuss what affects Good Moral Character.

The statutory period is commonly referred to as the Five Year Rule, or the Three Year Rule if you are married to a U.S. citizen.

For more information, please read our guide about when you can apply for U.S. citizenship.

Key Concept: Crimes & Offenses And Their Impact On Good Moral Character

Being charged with a crime or other offense can have a big impact on your ability to establish Good Moral Character for U.S. citizenship. Some crimes can permanently prevent you from establishing Good Moral Character, while other offenses are only considered if they happened during the statutory period. Some offenses don't affect your Good Moral Character at all. While it's generally a good idea to avoid all crimes or offenses, it's a good idea to understand which category different offenses fall into.

Permanent Bars to Good Moral Character

In rare cases, a serious offense can permanently prevent you from establishing Good Moral Character. Most applicants don't need to worry about them, but you should be aware of what they are:

• Murder
• Persecution, genocide, torture, or severe violations of religious freedom
• Aggravated felony

More examples of aggravated felonies that permanently prevent you from establishing Good Moral Character

• Rape
• Sexual Abuse of a Minor
• Illicit Trafficking in Controlled Substance
• Illicit Trafficking in Firearms or Destructive Devices
• Money Laundering Offenses (over $10,000)
• Explosive Materials and Firearms Offenses
• Crime of Violence (imprisonment term of at least 1 yr)
• Theft Offense (imprisonment term of at least 1 yr)
• Demand for or Receipt of Ransom
• Child Pornography Offense
• Racketeering, Gambling (imprisonment term of at least 1 yr)
• Prostitution Offenses (managing, transporting, trafficking)
• Gathering or Transmitting Classified Information
• Fraud or Deceit Offenses or Tax Evasion (over $10,000)
• Alien Smuggling
• Illegal Entry or Reentry by Removed Aggravated Felon
• Passport, Document Fraud (imprisonment term of at least 1 yr)
• Failure to Appear Sentence (offense punishable by at least 5 yrs)
• Bribery, Counterfeiting, Forgery, or Trafficking in Vehicles
• Obstruction of Justice, Perjury, Bribery of Witness
• Failure to Appear to Court (offense punishable by at least 2 yrs)

If you have concerns about any of these issues in your background, it's crucial to consult with an immigration attorney before proceeding with your application.

Temporary Bars to Good Moral Character

Some actions can temporarily affect your ability to establish Good Moral Character. The good news is that these bars are not permanent, and once the statutory period has passed (either the Five Year Rule or the Three Year Rule), you may still be eligible for naturalization.

Here are some examples:

• Crimes against another person, such as assault with a weapon
• Fraud against the government or against an individual
• Theft and robbery
• Forgery
• Abuse of a spouse or child
• Multiple convictions with a combined sentence of 5 years or more
• Controlled substance violations
• Two or more gambling offenses
• Confinement to a penal institution for 180 days or more
• False testimony for the purpose of obtaining immigration benefits

Example: The Five-Year Rule

Maria was convicted of petty theft in 2018 and served a 30-day sentence. She wants to apply for citizenship in 2024—more than 5 years after her offense. Because she has not had any other legal issues, she has demonstrated that she has reformed her character, and she may be eligible for naturalization.

Things That Do Not Affect Good Moral Character

Many applicants worry unnecessarily about minor issues. Here are some common concerns that generally don't affect your Good Moral Character standing:

• Medical debt
• Most traffic violations (except DUIs or other serious driving offenses)
• Being unemployed
• Bankruptcy (as long as it wasn't fraudulent)
• Political beliefs or affiliations
• Sexual orientation or gender identity
• Minor civil violations (like parking tickets)

New Concept: Extenuating Circumstances

Life is complicated. If there is something in your past that negatively affects your Good Moral Character determination, you may be able to show "extenuating circumstances". This means explaining the context of the situation and demonstrating how you've changed or improved since then.

If you think you may need to explain an extenuating circumstance, it's a good idea to ask an attorney for advice before applying.

How to Establish Good Moral Character: The Holistic Approach

Under USCIS's updated policy, establishing Good Moral Character isn't just about avoiding negative actions. It requires a demonstration of positive contributions to your community and evidence of good character. USCIS now takes a "totality of circumstances" approach that weighs both positive and negative factors.

The USCIS Positive Attributes Framework

USCIS will now place greater emphasis on an applicant's positive attributes and contributions when making Good Moral Character determinations. These positive factors include, but are not limited to:

Sustained community involvement and contributions in the United States:

This includes volunteering with local organizations, participating in community events, contributing to charitable causes, or engaging in civic activities that benefit your community.

Supporting Documents

• Volunteer service letters from non-profit organizations, schools, or religious institutions
• Certificates of appreciation or awards for community service
• Documentation of charitable donations (receipts, thank-you letters)
• Membership certificates from civic organizations (PTA, neighborhood associations, professional groups)
• Letters from community leaders attesting to your involvement
• Proof of any community events you've organized or participated in
• Records of coaching youth sports or mentoring programs

Family caregiving, responsibility, and ties in the United States

Demonstrating that you care for family members, fulfill your obligations as a parent or spouse, and maintain strong family connections shows commitment to your community and responsibilities.

Supporting Documents

• School records showing involvement in children's education (parent-teacher conference attendance, school volunteer work)
• Medical records or insurance documents showing you provide healthcare for family members
• Child support payment records (if applicable)
• Custody agreements and compliance documentation
• Care documentation for elderly parents or disabled family members
• Letters from family members, schools, or healthcare providers attesting to your caregiving role

Education and Self-Improvement

Pursuing education, whether formal degrees, vocational training, or continuing education, demonstrates personal growth and commitment to self-improvement.

Supporting Documents

• Diplomas, degrees, and certificates from educational institutions
• Transcripts showing ongoing education or completed courses
• Professional licenses or certifications
• Certificates from vocational training programs
• ESL (English as Second Language) class completion certificates
• Online course completion certificates (Coursera, edX, professional development platforms)
• Continuing education credits for professional licensing
• GED certificates or adult education program completion

Employment and Professional Achievements

Maintaining steady employment, advancing in your career, or building a business shows responsibility and contribution to the economy.

Supporting Documents

• Employment verification letters from current and previous employers
• Pay stubs showing consistent employment
• W-2 forms and 1099s demonstrating work history
• Positive performance reviews, promotions, or awards from employers
• Professional licenses and certifications
• Business registration documents (if self-employed)
• Professional association memberships
• Letters of recommendation from supervisors or colleagues

Compliance with tax obligations and financial responsibility in the United States

Timely payment of taxes, maintaining good credit, and meeting financial obligations demonstrate civic responsibility.

Supporting Documents

• IRS account transcripts showing tax compliance for the statutory period
• Payment plans or correspondence with IRS showing resolution of any tax issues
• Credit reports demonstrating good financial standing
• Bank statements showing financial stability
• Mortgage or rental payment records
• Auto loan or other installment payment records
• Utility bill payment history

Lawful Residence

Long-term lawful presence in the U.S. can be a positive factor, showing your commitment to the country and integration into American society.

Supporting Documents

• I-94 arrival/departure records
• Previous immigration documents (green card, work permits, student visas)
• Employment records spanning your time in the U.S.
• School enrollment records for you or your children
• Vehicle registration and driver's license history

Aiming to gather at least one document from each category listed above is a good starting point to demonstrate the positive factors that USCIS will now consider when making a decision on naturalization applications.

Rehabilitation and Reformation

If you have had past issues that might affect your Good Moral Character determination, USCIS will now focus greater attention on ensuring that you are properly rehabilitated and reformed. Evidence of genuine rehabilitation may support a finding of Good Moral Character and includes:

• Rectifying overdue child support payments or other family obligations
• Compliance with probation or other conditions imposed by a court
• Community testimony from credible sources attesting to your ongoing Good Moral Character
• Reformation or mentoring others with similar backgrounds
• Full repayment of overpayment of benefits such as SSI
• Full payment of overdue taxes

Supporting Documents for Rehabilitation

• Payment records showing resolution of overdue child support
• Court documents showing successful completion of probation or court-ordered programs
• Letters from probation officers confirming compliance
• Community service completion certificates
• Letters of recommendation from employers, community leaders, religious leaders, or counselors
• Documentation of mentoring activities or support groups you've joined or led
• Repayment agreements and proof of payment for government benefit overpayments
• IRS payment plans and proof of tax debt resolution
• Certificates from rehabilitation programs (substance abuse treatment, anger management, etc.)

By submitting these documents, you are seeking to give USCIS a complete picture and demonstrate how your life aligns with the ethical standards and expectations of your community.

Conclusion

Understanding Good Moral Character might seem daunting at first, but remember—it's just one part of the naturalization process. Even with USCIS's updated holistic approach, most applicants can meet this requirement through their everyday actions as responsible community members.

The new policy requires applicants to affirmatively demonstrate the qualities that make someone worthy of U.S. citizenship. Focus on building and documenting your positive contributions to your community during the statutory period.

If you have specific concerns about your background, it's always a good idea to consult with an immigration attorney. They can provide personalized advice based on your unique situation.

As you continue on your path to citizenship, keep being the great neighbor, colleague, friend, and community member you already are. That's really what Good Moral Character is all about!

Updated August 2025 to reflect USCIS's new policy memorandum on Good Moral Character evaluation standards.