I am in a similar situation, but with a little twist... I am a US Citizen living with my French boyfriend just over the border in France. I have an offer from a company in Geneva to work, pending the G permit being issued (Border permit which they are doing the paperwork for). Based on the forms that I have been given to complete, the Swiss Cantonal office needs me to provide proof that I have to have a long stay visa to live in France. However, the French consulate in the US denied the long stay visa stating that I must first show the Swiss work permit... Like the story of the chicken and egg.... One side has to give in first. I have a meeting with the Mayor in the town in France where we live to see if he can help. Any ideas or suggestions to address this contradiction on the swiss side?