Hello Everyone,

I am hoping you can give me some advice and information. I have been married for nearly 5 years to a Swiss woman. Unfortunately, we will seperate ¨

In March 09 we would have been married for 5 years. She is willing to remain married until that time, if needed, so I can get my C permit. I am from N. America and understand that I would need to have had either a B-permit for 5 years or have been married to a Swiss national for 5 years.

I have had my B work permit for 4 years now I believe. My current is set to expire in Q1 next year. Naturally for her sake and mine, I do not want to force us to remain in a relationship that is essentially over any longer than necessary. I do, however, want to remain in CH.


Assuming that I have had 4 consecutive years of a B work permit and I get my renewal in Q1 2009 ---- My question are:

1. Do we need to continue living together until Mar 09 or even later for me to get a C work permit?

2. If I get my 5th B work permit in Q1 2009, can I then upgrade it to a C a month or 2 later once the 5 year anniversary arrives?

3. Is there any benefit to getting or trying to get Swiss nationality once I have a C permit and how long does that take?

4. Is there anything else I need to consider with regards to the C permit

Thanks,

Yep, I misread it and gave bum advice... sooorrryy!

The rules/legislation have changed since last year concerning permits and marriage (major crackdown).

Rather than speculating on the possibilities, I STRONGLY suggest that you consult a lawyer ASAP. If you make a mistake with the first "move", you risk some major problems that you might not be able to fix afterwards. The outcome you risk is that they do not renew the B permit and you are out the door!

Do not underestimate the pressure from Bern to show that they are doing everything they can to manage the situation with foreigners.

Good luck in any event.

DO NOT! register yourself on a different address than your wife! If you have to, stay with a friend but DO NOT change address or register with the authorities in any other way until you have talked to a lawyer. Also make sure your wife doesn't register herself on a new address.