We are in the final phases of our permits but I have a great concern that it might not be ready before we arrive early April. As non-EU i know there is no way we could enter Switzerland without the permits or a Schengen. What would you suggest I do as the school starts the 12th April and i do not want the kids to miss school. Do I wait until permits are finalised or can I enter with a Schengen, get the kids enrolled in school and wait for the permits. Legally, I do not want to overstep one rule set in place by government.

You have to pick up your permits from the nominated visa office and enter using your permit/passport.

You could contact the swiss consulate general for your home country/location and check with them to see if there are any other alternatives...

You still have time...My advice (which I have repeated many times here on the forum) is this...

Email the swiss consulate general in your home country (or nominated visa office which was on your forms) - but before you do this, check with your employer to find out the *exact date* the work permit application was lodged...

So, email the swiss consulate general - in a polite and friendly manner! -

"Dear Sir/Madam,

I have been offered a work contract in (Zurich) starting date (insert date). The application for work permit was lodged by (company name) on (date). I understand that I cannot enter Switzerland until my entry permit is issued. I am currently living in (Mauritius) - my home address is (address), and I can be contacted via email or telephone (give home number and mobile)... I will be travelling with my (spouse - name, children - names, date of birth) etc....

I would be delighted if you would email/telephone me when our entry permits for Switzerland are approved. Can you please advise if there are any other documents/procedures/payments which will be required.

Sincerely,

XXX

- I found this a *very efficient* approach - the swiss consulate general emailed me the visa forms as well as their opening hours and the costs to expect, and how it had to be paid (cash)...they also emailed me the day the work/entry permit was approved...they told me if they hadn't had my email and phone and request to contact this way, they would have taken another 7 days to prepare and post an 'official letter'...

thanks so much - I am going to breath deep and relax - anything can happen in any day - really appreciate it and really, really appreciate this forum.

Good luck Hilloh - I'm waiting myself. I'm supposed to report on May 1, but my family isn't coming until July - I can imagine if they are supposed to start school on April 12, I'd feel as anxious as you.

Again, good luck.

Hi, that is for the final step - to write to ask when to get the entry visa in the general consulate, right?

I mean upon confirmation that you get the Work Permit already.

Thanks!