had the most wonderful surprise last week when we went to submit our B permit renewals with photos and forms - always sad because then we're stuck on this wonderful island until the renewals are here...
this time they gave the permits back - we should hand them in when we come to pick up the new ones - what a wonderful surprise!
now we're waiting for the invitation from the Aargau Migrationsamt to go biometric...

This year I received only the forms to be filled my employer, there was no white form where I stick my picture, shall I ask for the white form ?

Yes, I ahve the same experience, they returned (actually did not even take the plastic B permit from me). and there will be new (?) biometric format, i have already the appointment to make the photos.

as for the "being stuck", actually one can apply for the "return visa". I always did, but it costed 100 CHF (my employer covered, as I needed it anyway for business trips). But from now, it seems like no return visa is required, as they did not take permit.

you'll receive the invitation to be biometricized soon, so you won't need the white form.

i wonder what this would cost though - have searched admin.ch but didn't figure it out yet.

I got the application for biometric Permit B from the Gemindie as well before 3 month of the renewal date ..

just wonder why some permits B are renawal every year like my situation here and not every 5 years such lot of people ?

So I should pay a visit to gemeinde soon,

It is only because you are a citizen of non-EU country.

I have paid 122 CHF (kreis 3, Zurich)

I am in Adliswil and had to pay 142 sFr. when handing in the B permit
renewal form.
No photo required this time.
At the same time they made an apointment for me to go to imigration in Zurich for a photo and fingerprints.