Does anyone know what is the chance of getting a Non-EU citizen work permit (that means passing the quota) in St. Gallen recently? I read that for 2011 there are 107 permits and that they are given out every quarter. Does this mean that applying for it say in the beginning of April you might have higher chances?

If I get lucky and get a permit, can I live in a different canton and work still in St. Gallen?

Is this permit just valid for a year and then I have to pass all the quotas again? And is it then possible to change a job to a different canton or you are pulling the lottery again? Can you find a new job in the same canton without reapplying for a new work permit?

Where can I read the details on all these options?

Thanks in advance!

Same chance as everyone else?

Depends on the permit type.

No, once in the system you don't need to match against quota again.

Depends on the permit type.

Depends on the permit type.

Here is a good starting point.