Thanks Danny. The returning visae cost a lot. CHF93 each time. I had to have three and my wife needed one but in the end it was worth it.

The moral of the story is, under VINTA it is possible for Non EU nationals to obtain C permit if they have stayed in CH for more than 5 years continoûousl, if they are of good charecter, not on state aid and can demonstrate proficiency in one of the Swiss languages ( a course certificate would do).

If anyone in situation similar to ours wants to apply, I would say go for it. Cheers..