Hello all,

My name is Graham. I found this site through another (canuckabroad . com) which I also found through another expat site. Heres a little background.

Im 26, and looking to move to Switzerland. My Aunt, has lived in Nyon for 18 years now. She married Swiss and is now a citizen. I typically try to visit Geneva at least once a year for the past 3 years.

I am starting the process of researching all the requirments of moving to Switzerland being a non-EU citizen. Let me tell ya... it seems pretty challenging. Im looking to settle in the Geneve area, having basic French knowledge.

I have already started a French class at the local college, trying to catch up on a language I once had a better grasp of.

Are there any Canadiens on this site that could give me some tips or hints as to what it took to get you there? This is going to be a long term move, not something that will last a year or two, more likely my whole life.

Any help would be much appreciated! Im gla I found this site!

I'm not Canadian but just want to wish you all the best in your courageous venture.

Thank you for the good words. The whole process seems like such a huge task. I am currently compiling a to do list of stuff I need to do to commence the process. I will be calling the Swiss embassy in Canada tommorow morning for more information.

Hi Graham-

I think that what to do if you want to work in Switzerland depends on what you do for a living. For example, I wouldn't have been able to work in Switzerland if my boss hadn't pulled a bunch of strings to get me in. A lot of the process has to do with your expertise. My job was in high demand where I moved so my employer did a lot of the calling and getting things settled for me here. Give me some more information and maybe I can give you some tips on what I did. By the way, where in Canada are you from? My home is near Canada.


Ciao,

Taliasam

Hi taliasam, thanks for your reply. Well I am in the automotive industry. Specifically I am in the parts department. I have been doing it for 10 years and am now managment.I have experience with BMW and Kia. Essentially this is my expertise, however; I am willing to make a career change and work almost any job.

I grew up in Victoria BC, and lived there for 25 years. I just recently moved to Edmonton, Alberta.

My girlfriend who would also be coming has just finished her Masters degree in Occupational Therapy. Kind of like rehab. I think in french it's called Ergo Therapie. She would be looking for work too.

Any help is much appreciated!

Hi clarke 82 The Swiss Embassy is not the place to call ,You have to call A "Swiss-Consulate" The closes to you is in Vancouver,I wish you all the luck ,you need it

Hi Graham,
let me give you my 5cents. I moved here from Toronto, but I had a job and I am dual citizen (EU and non-EU) so my experience won't help you. But, I would suggest you to find a French class somewhere in Geneva and go there to learn the language and more important to experience the Swiss life. YOu can try also Nyon since your aunt is there. Meanwhile, you could look for a job and/or get better understanding and info about the things around and decide if you really want to move in Switzerland. It won't be easy but if you are persistent you'll find your way.
Considering that you are from Victoria, you'll most probably love the enviroment and you won't miss the Rockies if you are a fan because the Alps can offer you a lot
Good luck!

saraCan:

What you just said made something click in my head! Maybe I should change my whole approach to this. I am totally open to going back to school and taking a couple of language courses. This might be the best way to do this. It will get me into Switzerland, learn/comprehend the language better, and allow me to put myself out there to find work.

Are the chances of getting into Switzerland for school purposes better than work purposes? And would I be allowed to look for work while attending school part-time?

Graham-

Yes, there are lots of language courses and you can definately look for work in your spare time. Just search in the canton that you want to move to for language courses. There are lots of schools here that offer them. I think your girlfriend might have a good chance finding work, health care fields are always in demand. The key is to look in the towns with smaller populations. These are the towns that many people don't look or don't want to move to. That's the kind of town I'm in. I'm from Washington State, so close to Vancouver B.C. Also I wouldn't bother getting a visa now. You can stay here without a visa for 3 months, then if you find a job, you can apply for the visa and then just travel to France or Italy while it goes through. I've heard of a lot of people doing that.

Taliasam

You better off claiming to be a refugee. Free money and no hassle with the immgration service. Bonus points for converting to islam.

Taliasam:

As long as the language course didn't run longer than 3 months I could totally see that working. I'm still curious though if I still need to declare I will be there for schooling. I am calling the consulate now to find out.

Claim refugee status?

Join the swiss choier in edmonton . Consulate General of Switzerland /Word Trade Center /790-999 Canada PLace /Vancouver BC V6C-3E1 / Tel 1-604-2231

It seems the Consulate runs very short hours! I will retry during there open hours tommorow.

So, I had a very unhelpful experience with the Swiss Consulate here. The phone call went roughly like this:

"Hello, my name is Graham, and I would like some info on the process of entry into Switzerland for the purpose of work, and possibly long term residence."

"Well, just so you know, the only way in is to marry a Swiss Girl, or to get work thereahead of time. This is almost impossible, so I wouldnt get your hopes up. It probably wont happen."

"Ok, well, I have been talking with...[cut off by the man]"

"OK good luck bye." [hangs up]

Now im even more determined.