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22.02.2023, 22:27
|  | Newbie 1st class | | Join Date: May 2022 Location: Vevey, VD
Posts: 26
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| | | Re: Normal Naturalisation - applicant diary
| Quote: | |  | | | Ok, so here is my diary.
Background: Third country national. Worked in CH from ‘05 to ‘09 (35 months) on a B permit. Returned in 2012. Kids (under 18 at the time of application) were naturalised first (2018 and 2019) because of their ages (some years counting double, as you know). They were under the old law, so I’d been through some of this before with them but the sequence and details changed a bit, especially as they did it in our former commune.
My first steps: need to apply for C permit (because of the new law).
2019-09 Pass FIDE exam in French.
2019-11 Request “early” C permit (by then I’d lived a total of 10 years Switzerland, so I probably could have done it via the normal process of requesting a C permit, but since I needed the FIDE certificate anyway, I went via the early / “well integrated” process). Could have done these steps earlier.
2020-02 Received C permit
2020-03 Cleverly, I request an apostilled birth certificate now because I know I will need it (this comes back up). 
Formal process, ordinary naturalisation:
2020-03-09 Naturalisation request submitted
2020-11 Etat Civil registry asks for apostilled copies of birth certificates for myself and my wife (who is not included in the application) and our marriage certificate. First apostilled birth certificate will be too old (more than 6 months) when the other two documents arrive so I request a new one of those also.
2020-11-02 Application formally acknowledged by ServPop, request for information (copies of ID, contact info., other information), payment of CHF 450.-
2020-12-14 Part 1 completed by Serv Pop, dossier sent to commune
2021-07-05 Dossier acknowledged by commune (thanks for the delay Covid); study materials sent
2021-11-25 Naturalisation interview and knowledge test on same day (experimental measure: I was asked in the interview what I thought about that innovation. I told them I liked it as it was quicker that way). Passed the knowledge test with full marks (after hours of practice using an online app: SwissMe). Was told that the interview had gone well.
2021-11-29 Municipality approval
2021-11-30 Avis de cloture (notification of closure) from the Commune - free to relocate in CH
2022-02-14 Preavis favorable from commune 
2022-02-14 Letter from Etat Civil Registry that my name on my (second) apostilled birth certificate doesn’t match some other documents, so they will go ahead and register me with that name unless I ask to change it now. They explain that the birth certificate is the definitive document for registration in the Etat Civil (I checked the law, they are right, unless I’d formally changed my name of course).
Unnecessary details: a letter in my name has an accent in French, and my home country is not familiar with accents, so they (randomly) put another type of accent on that letter in the second apostilled birth certificate (in spite of having done it correctly in the first one, and not having any accent on my passport or original hand written birth certificate from the 1970s - basically the worst mistake they could have made without adding or dropping a letter). In the interest of time I tell the Etat Civil Registry to go ahead with the error. I will have to fix that later by changing my name legally in Switzerland to the version with the right accent. 
2022-03-15 ServPop send letter saying positive pre-advice has been sent to VD Council of State and then after their approval the file will be sent to SEM (now that the Etat Civil Registry have confirmed the completion of the registration). Told process could take 4 to 7 months (not explicit which process they referred to; I think it is the SEM process only that they meant).
2022-06-15 Received SEM bill for CHF 100. Wait anxiously all summer, wondering if my application for an early C permit would make the federal review go faster (since they had to check my background for that also, just 18 months before). It didn’t 
2022-07 Change communes (and inform Serv Pop)
2022-11-02 Call Serv Pop to check on process before traveling for first post-COVID long foreign vacation (don't want to miss the response deadline for the golden letter!). Told I have received approval from SEM and thay are just doing the final checks. As there is no space left in the ceremonies for 2022, I will be invited for the naturalisation ceremony in 2023, probably Q1  . I beg for space in December, and he laughs and politely say no, but the time will come soon.
2023-01-18 (Off-screen activity) Golden letter / Invitation to the naturalisation ceremony is sent (but not received due to postal issue)
2023-01-25 Letter referring to the golden letter is received. It clarifies some information that was on the missing letter (I am very confused and start checking my reycling to see if I have thrown away the golden letter by mistake)
2023-01-26 I call Serv Pop and the lady says I am not the only one who received the second letter but not the first. They will send a new letter out today (not sure if I am getting a new letter because I called or if it was already planned: the cynic in me says this is a final test of French reading comprehension and speaking ability)
2023-01-28 After two days of anxiety (plus car drama), I receive the golden letter. The deadline to reply whether I will attend the ceremony on 22 February is next Wednesday, 1 February. I waited so late before checking the mailbox (didn’t want to go down too early and get disappointed that the postman had not yet passed) that I have missed the closing time for the local post office, so I drive a few km to an open post office and post my signed reply slip by registered mail (no messing around with such a tight deadline).
For those of you in Vaud, remember that you have to send back the slip to confirm that you will attend the ceremony so they save your space. Otherwise you get pushed to the next one (or eventually they consider you have abandoned the application). And you have to hand in your residence permit at the start of the ceremony
1'055 days since I submitted the files (thanks Covid for adding about a year)
So in 3.5 weeks I will take my citizenship oath and become Swiss!!!  | | | | | Today was my naturalisation ceremony in Lausanne.  Very moving and inspirational, but also uncomplicated! I almost cannot believe it is finished!
Now that I have the naturalisation certificate I can see that the Conseil d’Etat gave their approval on 2022-05-30, which was 15 days after the letter from the Serv Pop saying they had sent the file to them.
Then the SEM authorisation was given on 2022-09-26, which is ~100 days after the SEM bill was paid, and then 5 months until the ceremony, for those of you trying to estimate your date.
There will be 14 naturalisation ceremonies this year (not sure which one we are on already, presumably this was the second or third) so they are trying to keep a brisk pace.
They were quite happy to hold the formal ceremony (although it was not for the first time after the pandemic pause). They placed a lot of emphasis on the feeling of community and celebration that it brings, rather than being the purely administrative step of sending a (golden) letter. I’m sure most of us new Vaudois-e would prefer the letter first and then a nice ceremony, but this way they make sure that everyone attends.
The Serv Pop told us it will take a few days for the entries in the systems to be updated, so appointments for passports and ID can be requested on Saturday or later. I interpreted this as meaning “wait until Saturday to try to make the appointment”.
 | | The following 6 users would like to thank AGBinCH for this useful post: | |
22.02.2023, 22:53
| | Junior Member | | Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Zürich
Posts: 30
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| | | Re: Normal Naturalisation - applicant diary
Hi, EFers
Anybody went to Passbüro in Zurich recently? Do they take photo for us during the biometric data collection? or we need to take the photos with us?
Thank you for sharing so much.
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22.02.2023, 23:15
|  | Forum Legend | | Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Wallis
Posts: 7,548
Groaned at 172 Times in 106 Posts
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| | | Re: Normal Naturalisation - applicant diary
| Quote: | | | | | Hi, EFers
Anybody went to Passbüro in Zurich recently? Do they take photo for us during the biometric data collection? or we need to take the photos with us?
Thank you for sharing so much. | | | | | They take your photo.
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22.02.2023, 23:38
| | Newbie 1st class | | Join Date: Aug 2022 Location: Zurich
Posts: 22
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| | | Re: Normal Naturalisation - applicant diary
They take your photo, but you are also allowed to bring your photo on pen drive.
The process is very quick, and I would recommend let them take your pic. | Quote: | | | | | Hi, EFers
Anybody went to Passbüro in Zurich recently? Do they take photo for us during the biometric data collection? or we need to take the photos with us?
Thank you for sharing so much. | | | | | | | This user would like to thank akak for this useful post: | |
25.02.2023, 16:25
| | Newbie | | Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: Zurich
Posts: 7
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| | | Re: Normal Naturalisation - applicant diary
| Quote: | | | | |
October 2021 - visit my Gemeinde to discuss my file and process. A member of staff suggests that I attach my Swiss Master's degree diploma as well as my transcript; confirms that the application is good to go otherwise. As a result of this, I was exempt from the Grundkenntnistest.
March 2022 - Gemeinde interview is scheduled in 2 weeks
March 2022 - Gemeinde interview. Super pleasant and straightforward. No curve ball questions and a great experience from A to Z.
| | | | | Congratulations!
May I ask what is your Gemeinde? Are you not in the Zurich city? I read that you don't need the Gemeinde interview if you live in the Zurich city.
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25.02.2023, 19:29
| | Junior Member | | Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Geneva
Posts: 40
Groaned at 20 Times in 7 Posts
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| | | Re: Normal Naturalisation - applicant diary
Does anyone know when is the next oath ceremony in Geneva?
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25.02.2023, 22:08
| | Forum Legend | | Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: SG
Posts: 10,848
Groaned at 718 Times in 525 Posts
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| | | Re: Normal Naturalisation - applicant diary
Dates de prestations de serment 2023
11 janvier 2023 à 7h45
18 janvier 2023 à 7h45
25 janvier 2023 à 7h45
08 février2023 à 7h45
15 février 2023 à 7h45
08 mars 2023 à 7h45 - COMPLET
22 mars 2023 à 7h45
05 avril 2023 à 7h45 https://www.ge.ch/devenir-avocat-sta...nfos-pratiques | | The following 2 users would like to thank Urs Max for this useful post: | |
25.02.2023, 22:51
| | Junior Member | | Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Genève
Posts: 40
Groaned at 6 Times in 4 Posts
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| | | Re: Normal Naturalisation - applicant diary
| Quote: | | | | | Does anyone know when is the next oath ceremony in Geneva? | | | | | I was told by ocpm that next is 27th June for those who got "arret" in Jan.
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25.02.2023, 22:52
| | Junior Member | | Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Genève
Posts: 40
Groaned at 6 Times in 4 Posts
Thanked 26 Times in 18 Posts
| | | Re: Normal Naturalisation - applicant diary
| Quote: | | | | | Dates de prestations de serment 2023
11 janvier 2023 à 7h45
18 janvier 2023 à 7h45
25 janvier 2023 à 7h45
08 février2023 à 7h45
15 février 2023 à 7h45
08 mars 2023 à 7h45 - COMPLET
22 mars 2023 à 7h45
05 avril 2023 à 7h45
https://www.ge.ch/devenir-avocat-sta...nfos-pratiques | | | | | This is for avocats it seems.
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26.02.2023, 12:02
| | Member | | Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Genève
Posts: 151
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| | | Re: Normal Naturalisation - applicant diary
| Quote: | | | | | Today was my naturalisation ceremony in Lausanne. Very moving and inspirational, but also uncomplicated! I almost cannot believe it is finished! | | | | | Congratulations AGBinCH 
🇨🇭🇨🇭🇨🇭
| | This user would like to thank voyager for this useful post: | |
28.02.2023, 11:08
| | Newbie 1st class | | Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: ZH
Posts: 16
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| | | Re: Normal Naturalisation - applicant diary
| Quote: | | | | | My Progress:
Kanton: ZH
Mid Jan: Silver Letter arrived.
It is indeed tricky when the current country does not have dual citizenship, of course over a period of time it will get resolved with discussion and follow-ups
Coming from country with no dual citizenship, we shall loose the citizenship soon as we acquire other nation citizenship, which in this case is Golden letter
When we surrender the passport, in addition they ask for Golden letter. If any travel is done with old passport, a fine of 200+ CHF/travel.
Also since my kid, would write the Gymi, which is enrolled with old nationality, if the golden letter arrives, citizenship is lost, need to follow with ZAP to correct the record.
And I have travel planned in March.
Even with all this complexity, I am waiting anxiously for Golden Letter 
Will keep here posted about how it unfolds | | | | | Usually noticed that for Kanton ZH in Our thread, Silver Letter mentions 3 months to the next stage. In my case the letter mentions 6 months. Do anybody have this ?
Wondering, if the workload this year has increased |
28.02.2023, 11:24
|  | Forum Legend | | Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Dietikon ZH
Posts: 2,690
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| | | Re: Normal Naturalisation - applicant diary
| Quote: | | | | | Usually noticed that for Kanton ZH in Our thread, Silver Letter mentions 3 months to the next stage. In my case the letter mentions 6 months. Do anybody have this ?
Wondering, if the workload this year has increased | | | | | The terms "silver letter" and "golden letter" are informal terms for specific correspondence, but differing between cantons.
Kanton Zurich:
Silver: A formal letter/notification informing you that you have received the "green light" from all 3 levels of government: you may have to wait up to X months before receiving citizenship whilst final checks are conducted.
Gold : A formal letter/document confirming you have been entered in the national citizenship register, and the process is formally completed (passport/ID can be requested after 3 weeks, though often after a few days).
If the stated waiting period in the silver letter has been extended, this many indicate an increase in workload.
__________________
So sayeth the 'Speed
* I do look like my avatar
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28.02.2023, 12:52
| | Forum Legend | | Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: SG
Posts: 10,848
Groaned at 718 Times in 525 Posts
Thanked 14,849 Times in 7,773 Posts
| | | Re: Normal Naturalisation - applicant diary
| Quote: | | | | | This is for avocats it seems. | | | | |  |
01.03.2023, 16:38
| | Member | | Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: Geneve
Posts: 101
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| | | Re: Normal Naturalisation - applicant diary
| Quote: | | | | | 144 days on average from receipt of the SEM bill to golden letter.
I have kept a running record of all posts since 2021. I suppose these will vary from canton to canton. | | | | | Now on my 150th day. This is driving me mad.  |
01.03.2023, 16:54
| | Forum Veteran | | Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Aargau
Posts: 752
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| | | Re: Normal Naturalisation - applicant diary
| Quote: | | | | | Now on my 150th day. This is driving me mad. | | | | | Sorry to hear that. How much time does it normally take?
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01.03.2023, 17:01
| | Member | | Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: Geneve
Posts: 101
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| | | Re: Normal Naturalisation - applicant diary
| Quote: | | | | | Sorry to hear that. How much time does it normally take? | | | | | Varies between cantons, and even applicants. All that is required is to be patient.
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01.03.2023, 17:50
|  | Forum Legend | | Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Geneva
Posts: 4,021
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| | | Re: Normal Naturalisation - applicant diary
| Quote: | | | | | Now on my 150th day. This is driving me mad. | | | | | Join the club… Im on 120 and counting…
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01.03.2023, 19:35
| | Junior Member | | Join Date: Jul 2022 Location: Geneva
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| | | Re: Normal Naturalisation - applicant diary
I know just what you mean! I'm trying to factor in a couple of weeks of delay due to the end-of-year holidays, but it's a mental struggle. Fingers crossed we finally get the golden letter (or as I like to call it, "the golden ticket!") sooner rather than later. | | The following 2 users would like to thank writerGVA for this useful post: | |
02.03.2023, 11:13
| | Newbie | | Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: CANTON VAUD
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| | | Re: Normal Naturalisation - applicant diary
160 days here |
02.03.2023, 23:25
| | Junior Member | | Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Zurich
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| | | Re: Normal Naturalisation - applicant diary
does anyone have a recent wait time experience for zurich stadt geminde interview?
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