Hello. I'm a newbie in this forum and I would like to ask several questions about the permit.

I am non-EU citizen working in Switzerland. I arrived in March 2010 with a 1-year working contract and started my first L permit then. In March 2011 my working contract got renewed for another 1 year and I got my second year L permit accordingly.

Now it's Jan 2012, and I just got my working contract renewed again for another year. Therefore, I should apply for prolongation of my permit soon.

On the other hand, in 2011 I registered partnership (for same sex) in Switzerland with my partner who is a French citizen working in Switzerland. He arrived here in 2009 and currently holds a B permit which expires in 2014.

Based on the above facts, I have several questions about my future working permit:

1. After renewal this time, I will continue to hold a third-year L permit, or I will hold a B permit? Some people say that L permit is for 2 years max, is that true?
2. If I will get a B permit, it will be a regular 1-year B permit for non-EU people, or it will be a 5-year B permit like my partner because of the partnership?
3. If one day I lose my job in Switzerland, I have to leave? or I can stay because my partner is living and working in Switzerland?
4. Normally, in 2014 (5 years), my partner will be qualified to apply for C permit. And for me it will be not earlier than 2020 (10 years). Will this change because of our registered relationship?

Seems a bit complex. Thanks a lot and good luck for all!!!