The work permits legislation is federal, so there is going to be exactly zero difference among the cantons.

Yes.

I might beg to differ on this based on my experience as well as others in my category. Although my circumstances are quite different from the OP, my work rights or rather work permit on a non-EU B ( sort of a 2-in-1 thingy ) is restricted to a particular canton ( ZH ) who alone decide on my work permit, not the BFM in Berne.

I am not surprised if someone got a C permit only after 18 months as there are exceptions to the norm.

Which is quite correct. The initial application is cleared by the BFM in Bern, any subsequent changes are cleared by the canton.

If you think Zurich issued you a permit without having it initially cleared by Bern, then you are wrong.

Additionally, as of January 1st, non-EU B permit holders are not restricted anymore as far as cantonal mobility is concerned.

Yes, the BFM gave me the clearance, and the ZH Canton formalised it with their own set of rules and conditions for the work permit.

Could someone clarify this for us ?
Under which circumstances is it possible ?
It was the first time that I heard this .

I have great doubts about this statement...big doubts...

I will merge this thread with the others relating to non-eu C-permits.

Just so we're on the same page, there are no specific cantonal rules as far as the work permits are concerned. The cantons do not have legislative authority in that domain.

Just go to the link below for up-to-date information on work/residence permits

http://www.ch.ch/private/00029/00030...x.html?lang=en

Does your friend or a member of his family work for an international organisation - like the Bank of International Settlements or the UN? He would then be entitled to a Ci permit. This is red in colour.

To be quite precise, an international organisations employee receives a legitimation card from the Foreign Affairs department (and the color codes thereof will reflect the particular privileges the holder has). His (her) spouse will receive the Ci if (s)he applies for a job.

What if you entered Switzerland in Familiennachzug without work permit and got your work permit later with hassle. would you still need to go through the whole process once more and apply for a new work permit if you wanted to change job and canton? (non-EU and B permit)

No, just as it says in the text. This is one part where the law has become more "foreigner-friendly" since January 1st.

Even if the employer's name and address is stated on the permit?

Yes... Even then.

Wowl! So you would just have to go to the Kreisbüro and have them change your permit? We still get our residence permit renewd together (still Familiennachzug thing, though I have a work permit)...do you know if I can have it issued independently and without the word "Familiennachzug" on it?

When I worked with work permits 3 years ago, it was your employer who had to apply for the work permit not the individual. Therefore, your new employer should be willing to do the paoerwork and request for a transfer of the permit to their name (change of employer). Things have changed since. So if I were you, I would check with the Arbeitsamt. There are some very nice helpful people there.

What you are saying is not in line with:
Aren't they responsible for employment?

They are the labour department. Like I said, things have changed since I worked with work permits. I understand from a colleague that she went to the MIgartionsamt for info, In the old days, we (i.e.the employers) applied for permits through the Arbeitsamt. The cycle was so.
Arbeitsamt - BFA - Arbeitsamt - cannot remember if it came back to us straight after that or if had to be cleared by the cantonal authorities first. The process took 4 -6 weeks. Like i said before, things have changed since.

Dear Shorrick,

Thanks for the details you have given. I have a slightly different case and need your help.

I came to Swtzerland last year on an L permit - my wife also came with me on a dependent L permit.

This year my company has applied for a change from the L to B permit - the process is underway - and meanwhile my wife has got a job offer from a company.

Need your help - in either case - whether we get an L or B, will there be any problem for my wife to take up employment?

Thanks a ton!

L - problem, time limited B (i.e. project work) - problem, B - no problem.

Thanks Shorrick.

My company has applied for B for 3 years - is this "Time limited"?

And when you say problem - does this mean possible or impossible?

Cheers!