Hi! I am a Canadian English teacher, and have been 'living' here (leaving every few months) with my Swiss boyfriend for about a year and a half. I have applied for a B permit twice, and the last time (Dec '06) the Canton approved the permit but the state (Federal) didn't. We are appealing the decision, but I am wondering a) if it is worthwhile and b) how long the process will take before I hear back... anyone been in this situation? Or any ideas of what to do from here? I was offered a full-time teaching job when I first arrived but the permits never seem to get approved on the basis that a UK national could also do the job... argh!

I don't know but first thought - why not get married? He's surely not THAT bad is he?

It would be simple if you guys got married.

Edit: Damn, Lob beat me to it.

Yeah, that's pretty much what EVERYONE (including immigration) tells us. At this point, it's a consideration, but not something we're willing to jump to simply to resolve my permit issues. Any other ideas?

fight, take time, take money and potentially fail anyway?
Stumble across a way to have an EU passport?

Of course, if you do get hitched the same authorities will turn around and say "you only married for a permit"....

Sorry if I'm being cynical...

The simple response to that is: "I got married to stay with my beloved - getting the permit was the only way to do that"

I have only had good experiences. We got married five years ago because of a similar problem. The authorities we had to deal with have a sharp eye on what they consider a pure "paper marriage".

Yes, when my permit was denied I was told there would also be an investigation into any more permit applications as well as if I marry a Swiss person. So I guess it depends on your history prior to marriage... It's so stupid - they tell you your best bet at a permit is just to get married, but then they threaten you with an investigation to see if it's real or paper.

Assuming you have REALLY been living together in an intimate relationship, then you haven't got anything to fear from an investigation. Know doubt you have pictures together, emails, neighbours, etc, that prove the pre-existing nature. You can always say you are planning to marry in a year or so, but the permit situation has FORCED you to bring planning forward. They can't penalise you for that.

Yeah, I totally know what you're saying. The whole process just annoys the hell outta me. Thanks for the suggestion!

I know what you mean. Been there, done that, have the t-shirt and coffee mug.

Dear ET :-)

I am also in a similar predicament and am thinking of marrying my boyfriend. Let them scrutinise, marriage is a basic right in CH, they cannot refuse an application to marry: but they will watch you like a hawk afterwards... it's better than appealing, as appeals in the legal cases I read, that were tried, have a very low sucess %. Different cantons could make different decisions though. I would say get married and avoid the b...shit and the little kingdom cantons as it will just take energy from you and lots of monies .................

Have a super weekend
Hand in there
Liya

I just wanna know if the marriage is just for the papers? Am I ready for the marriage? Is that what I want? Is that a Risk? What would be the end Result?It is sad that I turn to condemn the Law of a Country when things do not favour ME.
Let us respect other peoples rights and laws and all shall be added. If I go to Rome, I will do what the Romans do. Pardon me, if I am being too... but there are others reading and they will pick every bit we write here so let us mind our language.