# USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Pt. D, Ch. 9: Good Moral Character

> Federal · Agency guidance · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V12_PD_C9

## Section

- **Citation:** USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Pt. D, Ch. 9
- **Heading:** Good Moral Character
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Agency guidance
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** USCIS Policy Manual / Volume 12 - Citizenship and Naturalization / Part D - General Naturalization Requirements / USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Pt. D, Ch. 9

## Text

One of the requirements for naturalization is good moral character (GMC). An applicant for naturalization must show that he or she has been, and continues to be, a person of good moral character. In general, the applicant must show GMC during the five-year period immediately preceding his or her application for naturalization and up to the time of the Oath of Allegiance. Conduct prior to the five-year period may also impact whether the applicant meets the requirement. [1]

Footnote

[1] See Part F, Good Moral Character [ 12 USCIS-PM F ].

## Nearby sections

- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Pt. D, Ch. 1 Purpose and Background](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V12_PD_C1.md)
- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Pt. D, Ch. 2 Lawful Permanent Resident Admission for Naturalization](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V12_PD_C2.md)
- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Pt. D, Ch. 3 Continuous Residence](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V12_PD_C3.md)
- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Pt. D, Ch. 4 Physical Presence](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V12_PD_C4.md)
- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Pt. D, Ch. 5 Modifications and Exceptions to Continuous Residence and Physical Presence](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V12_PD_C5.md)
- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Pt. D, Ch. 6 Jurisdiction, Place of Residence, and Early Filing](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V12_PD_C6.md)
- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Pt. D, Ch. 7 Attachment to the Constitution](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V12_PD_C7.md)
- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Pt. D, Ch. 8 Educational Requirements](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V12_PD_C8.md)
- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Pt. D, Ch. 9 Good Moral Character](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V12_PD_C9.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V12_PD_C9. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.