Hi Everyone,

I am working for a software company in Zurich.
I hold a 'B' visa (valid until 2008) which is limited to the company. I am working here since a year. Since I have got a new offer, I wanted to quit the current job as soon as possible. Everything worked out smoothly and today is my last day. The future employer assured me that they will take all possible measures to help me getting the visa. I have a few questions.

1. How long can I stay with my current visa ?

2. Should I inform the canton office regarding my resignation ?

3. In case if my visa is rejected, is it still possible for me to register with unemployment office and have the benefits ?

I would be very thankful if anyone could give me some guidance.

Thank you.

where are you from originally?

I don t have my B permit with me at the moment but if you read the back (or if you don t trust your german, get a german speaker to read it for you) of it it will tell you what the regulations are.

Hope that helps

It is very hard to tell you anything based on the few informations you provided. Anyhow. If the permit was delivered for a specific job or project, in most likelihood (99% of cases) you cannot change jobs.

Further to this, the canton will be informed by your current employer of your resignation. From that point onwards, prescriptions applying to normal tourist travel apply.

It is impossible to answer your third question without knowing what type permit you have and how long you worked for.

Hi all,

Thank you very much for a fast response.
My visa is valid untill Jan. 2009 (was a mistake in previous mail)

To peachy:
I am originally from India.

To Shorrick Mk2:
I am working here since Jan. 2007
If the new employer is willing to apply a visa for me, will that be still difficult to get the visa?

As I said without seeing your permit it's hard to say. However, based on the fact that it's been delivered with a two-year limited validity, I'd say it's a project permit, hence no job change allowed, and no access to unemployment.

What Shorrick said plus your visa is not valid until 2009 - it is invalid on the day you leave your job.

I would guess that you are going to have problems making the move - one thing you will need is the support of your current employer who will have to write a letter saying that you were an excellent employee and have only left due to circumstances that reflect no fault on your part. Will they do this for you?

Hi swissbob,

yes I got such a letter and handed it over to my new employer.

I am very much worried.....

Is there anything else i could do ?

I hope you're not confusing it with the "Arbeitszeugnis" (work references)...

No No. I did not mean the 'Arbeitszeugnis'

I got the letter stating that the project that I was working on has been finished and the company alows me to leave the company without any obligations and I am leaving on my personal wish.

Hi all,

I am really in a critical situation.

Any advice please...

There is no advice other than "wait and hope for the best" unfortunately.

Is it possible to have the "personal wish" part changed to "asked to leave as no other work available" ? The important thing here is to show the authorities that it is not your fault in any way and that you have, in effect, been treated badly. This, coupled with the new company obviously being willing to put in some effort may help.

Hi swissbob,

Thanks for the advice. I'll try my best to get a modified letter.

I know of non Eu Person who have moved the job in similar situation as yours. The only difference is that the guy before resigning from existing job got a letter from his manager / HR saying that the project is shelved and the concerned person is not needed anymore. This letter was then taken by the prospective employer and then they applied for change of employer. The company got a letter from Arbeitsamt mentioning the new employer and guy then resigned and along with the letter from Arbeitamts went to geminde and got his permit changed to new employer.

The miracles do happen, but you need to play it smart. Wish you good luck.

Hey my friend,

I am really curious to find out what happened to you .
Is the new permit approved ? did the new company apply for extending your permit ?

Hi Alirezakarimi,

Yes, fortunately my new company has applied a new work permit for me and it has been granted :-)
It took around 3 weeks.