Hello. I have a B-permit (non EU) due to PhD studies at a Swiss University and employment at this institute (though the so-called main reason for the permit is the studies). I found a job in Switzerland and the company will apply for a new work permit for me. Is there a chance I will have an L permit now instead of the B permit I used to have?

Any experience with this? Many thanks.

Why do you think you are entitled to keep your permit after your studies? You are changing the permit type. It's a new residence/work application.

After 6 years on a student B permit, I applied for a permit as self-employed and received an L. I have no problems with the situation, as I didn't count on getting a B permit (I am non-EU).

Because it is strange that when you start earning money and pay taxes your residence status gets worse...

Is there a chance it works differently for non self-employed people? Any experience.

I had a B permit my first 2 years here and it recently switched to an L (same employer the whole time). Was told this was a federal change that non-EU people on <= 1 year contracts had to get an L. I don't think there is much you can do about it.

Thanks, I am concerned since I would also need to bring my wife and child, and I reckon it is easier to operate it with a b permit. However, my wife is a student at the University of Zurich (and now she is on maternity leave), so maybe she will get her student b permit regardless of my visa status. Thanks for your replies!

Student B and L permit are equal in status. In fact at least the latter allows you to work. Student B is a different game.

Thanks for the information. Provided that I am having an unlimited in time contract (i.e. open-ended), I have a PhD form a Swiss university, quite adequate salary and have had a student B for 3.5, do I have realistic chances of getting a B permit? I am non-EU. Anyway, when after what period of time can an L permit turn into B permit.

I would'nt know for sure about your chances. But a colleague who had a PhD had an L for a couple of years. No idea what happened then. People who have just graduated often get an L at least that is what I have observed.

Normal Non-EU working permit "L" can be issued for 1 and 1 years. After that you either go home or you get a B permit.

The main difference (and you probably already know this) is that a B permit lets your 'dependent spouse' work, and if you have an L then your 'dependent spouse' has to jump through a few more hoops to get a work permission of her own.

That's right, but to my knowledge, L permits carry some further drawbacks like the years counted towards a C permit or naturalization...

Probably not, check.

Check what it says on your wife's permit. Does it say "Familiennachzug"? (should be near the bottom of the inside right, below her address but above the date of entry.)

If not, then her permit is totally independent of yours already and you can stop worrying.

Regarding C permit I don't know exactly (I think that years in Student B do not count towards C),

but what I know is that both L and B count towards naturalization.

True. You have to be 12 years in Switzerland to apply for naturalisation. Next month there will be a vote on making naturalisation more difficult. In any case, you will have to take a German course.

He might not.

With a Swiss diploma you don't have to face a test or a harsh interview on politics and history. And I guess that could be similar regarding language skills.

I think none of that matters - I have a friend who was on a B permit while attending a Swiss university, received her degree and got a job, and was converted to an L permit. She is new EU and has an openended contract. I think it depends on the quotas for your country, just like anyone else applying for a work permit.

I was on a student L until I started working at which point they automatically gave me a student B...? Not sure what your point is

You know what points exactly will make it more difficult?

thx

Could you please point me to law or specific article in the law that confirms this?

I think it's cantonal law in at least some cantons that sais that who did a diploma or degree in CH has not to do any idoneity test.

I will keep an eye out for some text in this matter these days.