Hi,
I am Non-EU (American) and was married to my husband (Swiss) Feb 13th, 2010 in our village in Switzerland (Zofingen). I am waiting for my B permit. We applied for it right after our marriage. I also have an employment contract to teach English for a Language School. The HR department of the school called Aarau to see the processing on my B permit (needed in order to work) and they told her it is going to be 4-5 months. The canton said they haven't even processed all the permits from 2009. Is this ridiculous? I can't wait another 4-5 months to work, it took me months of looking for work and I am a certified English as a Second Language Instructor. Is anyone else having this problem? The school says I can't begin work for them until I have the B permit in hand. I have already done training at the school. I thought the permit process took 6-8 weeks. Can anyone help me with some answers. I am so frustrated!

It is frustrating, but I believe permits are dealt with on a canton by canton basis and so the wait time depends upon the efficiency and demand of the cantonal bureaucracy. It is a long time, though...very frustrating. Perhaps you can ask the office if it is permissable to start work while they are processing your visa? If they say its ok, then the school may be ok with it. On the otherhand, if they say no, then you're back to square one. Worth asking though I would think.

I moved here to Zurich from the States already married to a Swiss person. I was able work after applying for my permit but certainly months prior to actually receiving it. Funny, our HR department had the same notion that it was not possible and my future boss had to get involved. Since you are married to a Swiss national, you are entitled to work just as much as someone from the EU. Unfortunately, be prepared to have to reapply each year (ie cough up chf 100), unlike persons from the EU who generally receive 5-yr B permits.

I also suggest going to the local kriese office to see if they can provide any input/advice about the labor law as it pertains to an American married to a Swiss national as I believe there are some bilateral agreements that entitle you to a B-permit and thus should allow you to work before the actual ID comes in the mail.

Best of luck

I'm really sorry, from first hand experience, I know that the waiting is really painful. I understand that Geneva is moving much more quickly than that - but that sounds awfully long.

Good luck.

Does anyone know if this is true? If you are married and will receive the B permit, can you work in the meantime legally? Meaning can I work for the school 4-5 months while I wait for my B permit? If so, how would I legally get paid?

I thought I was the only one Aarau is also taking long with my B bewilligung. I did my application last december and started work at that time. I was told I was allowed to work for 3 months without a bewilligung. Its been 3 months already so I called them and asked if I would need to quit now, but they reassured me that as long as my bewilligung is in process then I can carry on working.

Hope that helps.. Happy easter

Hi all.

I dont think it will take so long time to issue a permit.(4.5.months.)
i suggest you,to kontakt your kanton Ombudstelle,and explain about your situation,i think its better to go with your husbund,all of them are lawyers and working for peoples rights.your husband should know about it.
thanks wish u all the best.

I found out yesterday that you cannot work until the permit is processed...wonder how long my employer will wait or if they will find someone else..there are only thousands of people trying to teach English here