First, let me say I did a search, and couldn't find anything on this in the forum. If there is a thread that discusses it, I'll happily be pointed in that direction.

Our situation is that my husband is Swiss, and I am a US citizen. It looks more and more like he will be getting a position in the Zürich area.

My question is about the processing time to receive a spousal visa. I have no idea how the process works. For the UK, we submitted an application to a US Consulate with supporting documentation, and they issued a visa in my passport within a week. I'm hoping it's a similar process with Switzerland - that I can apply with the Embassy in London and it gets processed pretty quickly.

My fear is that it is a process that will take months. We know we will need to live apart for a while anyway, while I tie up things in the UK like selling the house. But if the real estate gods smile on us, and we can wrap things up quickly, I'd like to know I wont be stuck in limbo waiting for a visa before we (daugther, dogs, me) can join my husband.

Thanks for any insights, links or information you can provide.

Edited to add: I did find some links to residence permit info, and it did say I would apply through the Embassy. I guess what I don't know is about how the forms work. For example - for the UK you apply using one set of forms if you have been married less than X years, and another set if more than X years, and it influences the type of permit you get (the kind that has to be renewed, or indefinite). Is this the case with Switzerland - or does everyone submit the same form and they decide what type of visa to provide?