Hello - My daughter is currently in a small town near Berne participating in an equestrian trianing program. She has a long stay permit through her VISA D which will expire in October. She is hoping to extend her stay for an unlimited time period. She loves what she is doing and loves Switzerland. Can anyone give us advice on how to persue petitioning the canton for the extension? Is this the best route to take? The only other option that I have found is for her to come back to the United States for 3 months and reapply for a new ViSA D. This will make it almost impossible for her to continue in the program that she is presently participating in. Any advice please?

her best bet would be to contact the US Embassy located conveniently enuf in Bern.

http://bern.usembassy.gov/index.html

http://bern.usembassy.gov/service.html

Grynch - Thank you for your advice. May I ask -- what information would best serve her request for extending her stay? She is almost fluent in Suisse-Deutsch. Doing everything to assimilate - not just visting.

I can't really help, but if she's participating to a program, that could help for stay permit ?

didn't see your second question Mom

as far as what she can do.. not a clue I'm afraid... I've never been in that position. My best advice is again contact the Mission and see what suggestions they can provide.