Dear experts,

I am Hari Shankar and this is my first post. I have tried to search in many forums regarding my situation but I could not find any answer. I am working as Software Consultant in one of the most well known company since 2008 and I have got B permit with status 'Mit Erwerbstätigkeit'. My Permit is going to get expired on 31.03.2011. I recently recieved a new job contract in Zurich canton.

Since my present company came to know this, they may fire me immediately. In this case , I am really nervous and scared how will look my situation that I have a new job offer, but the B permit is not extended.

Can the new company sign the official extension formular and submit to my present Canton? Also my wife is pregnant and she has got dependent B permit until September.

Please guide me or advice me what should I do.

Many thanks for your help.

Regards,
Hari

No introduction? How rude...

Depends on whether your permit is tied to your employer. If not, then you have the right to change employers.

Hi Bob,

Thanks a lot for your reply. In my B permit it is written 'Mit Erwerbstätigkeit' which I assume I am allowed to change the employers yes?

How will look the Permit extension? The new company can extend it if I will work and stay in different cantons?

Regards,
Hari

Hi Hari,

I think B permits are issued for prticular employers only. Pls double check with authorities.

thanks.

Call the Arbeitsamt(work office), they can tell you if you can change or not.


http://www.awa.zh.ch/internet/volksw...e/kontakt.html

Best way to find out is to ring the Federal Migration Office in Bern +41 31 325 11 11 and ask them. They can look at all the details of your permit in their system and tell you what you can and cannot do. I am also non-EU and had a B Permit last year that also said "Mit Erwerbstätigkeit", which essentially means your permit is only valid if you are gainfully employed. I switched companies and cantons with no problem, but I would just double check. This no longer applies to me as I just recently go upgraded to a C Permit

Dear Decider,

Thanks a lot for your advice. I have already the job contract from the new company dually signed by me and the employer.My only concern is how will look the situation if my present company will fire me immediately and who will fill the permit extension formular as I live in St.Gallen canton and will work in Zurich canton for the new company.

Thanks a lot for your advice in advance.

regards,
Hari

Ok noted
.

Does your permit card (the photo/Id one) list the name/details of the employer ?

That can be an indicator of whether it's 'open' or 'tied' but really the best answer will come from the Arbeitsamt.

Also, if you have been working for several years in Switzerland, then if your current employer fires you, you should be entitled to unemployment insurance, and in that case you can contact the RAV (unemployment office) - in fact, I've heard it said that you should contact them immediately as soon as you think your work situation is under threat - they will advise you on the procedure and what entitlements you have...

It should be fine...I am sure you can make a few phone calls on Monday and get good answers to your problem. If the relationship is good with your new employer, maybe they will do the phone calls for you (my new employer was more than happy to handle all the paperwork when I changed jobs, she was just so glad to have me on the team!)...

Hi Swiss Pea,

Thanks a lot for your response. In my permit card there is no employer name mentioned.

I will call the concerned office on monday and I only hope that everything will be fine.

Have a nice evening.

Regards,
Hari

Dear Hari,

A quick question,
Do you have anything written as "Selbst. Erwerbstatigkeit ist bewilligungspflichtig" on the back side of your permit card?

Dear decider,
do they check and confirm for all cantons? last time when I tried they said they can't check for zurich canton.

Dear Nomad_Ind,

Yes it is written Selbst Erwerbstatigket ist bewilligungspflichtig. Any issues with this statement?

Please let me know.

Regards,
Hari

Dear Hari,

I have heard 2 different stories in this case. Probably it shd favour you.

Since your permit is expiring, changing employment shd not be a problem. On the contrary, the labour authorities told me sometime back that for changing jobs with this permit you would need agreement from your current employer. Not sure which one is correct. But I had a friend who was able to switch with this type of permit without an agreement from the current employer.

But I reckon it is not a open B, so please check with the Arbeitsamt(work office) and confirm us your good news.

Hello Hari,

If you are not employed with your current employer then your permit renewal will have to applied by the new employer or by the RAV(unemployement office). I hope you get some base soon.

Best wishes
Goforit

Hi Hary

'Mit Erwerbstätigkeit' means only that you may stay in Switzerland only as long as you work. You not entitled to social benefits and to unemployment benefits.

You may change your employer within the limits of the existing B permit and before it expires, your new employer must apply for a prolongation. But this is usually not a problem, if you have a new work contract.

All the best,

Romi

If you have paid the insurance then you are entitled to the benefits.

Hi Romainesol

How far are you sure with your comments?

I dont think it is easy to change employer as the permit was initialized by some other employer.

Regards.

Dear All,

Thanks a lot for your advice.

I was calling Federal Migration Office in Bern and explained the situation but they told that I have to contact Zurich arbeitamt. Later when I contacted them they said I have to contact after 14:00 to a new number.

Also I heard a rumor that if the permit quota in Zurich canton is full, then I am not able to get this work permit in Zurich canton. Why should one need a new B permit when he has got already B permit?

I will call the RAV office and will post the information what they will say.

Regards.
Hari