Hi Everyone,

This is my first post on this very informative site, so please pardon me if I'm asking a question which has already been answered elsewhere. (I searched, but couldn't find anything specific to my question)

I have taken up a job in Switzerland and my prospective employer has applied for a B-permit (Non-EU). I have been informed that the first two approvals (Canton Employment Office & Federal Authorities) have come through and the third one (OCP) is in progress.

I noticed that one of the approval letters mentions the phrase "d'autorisation de sejour a l'annee, permis B ..... (art. 18, 33 LEtr)"

My french knowledge is non-existent as of now (though I hope to start learning once I land ) and I would highly appreciate if someone could tell me if this is a short-term (annual) B permit or a long-term one.

I tried the translation services at Google & Babel Fish, but the translation also left me confused ("Authorization stay in the years enabled B ..... (article 18, 33 LEtr)" and "d' authorization of stay has l' year, allowed B ..... (Article 18,33 LEtr)")

(I can paste more information from the letters if needed)

Also, if this is indeed an annual b-permit, what are the disadvantages as compared to the long-term permit. (Apart from the 3 yrs/6 yrs limit, of course)


Thanks in advance

All B permits be they short or long-term are to be renewed annually anyway. Since yours doesn't seem to have a validity limitation (i.e. maximum xyz months) you can assume it's the normal long-term B.

Thanks Shorrick,

That puts my mind at rest.

Hi,
I have come to Zurich on B-permit (4 months). As I read in the swiss migration office, the B-permit actually is for initial residence permit (1-10 years). What I can't understand is how I got a 4 month B-permit. Also if I have to extend it (as my work got extended), would I have to go back to my country and issue it again?

Regards
Deb

If your work contract is for 4 months, then that's as long as your permit will run for. Are you sure it's a B permit though? Usually contracts that run under a year will be issued with an L permit.

If the contract gets extended, then no you don't have to leave. Your company has to let the migration office know so you can renew/extend your permit.

I don't know for sure. Actually I managed to translate the entire document into english (thanks google translate) and at the very last section there is section called:
zustimmung: B 2-12-2014

The bank allowed me to open a bank account stating it's a B permit and I can open a bank account here.

But I got really confused. Are there short term B permits as well?

Now as you stated that I can extend the work permit from here only. But will it apply when I change the work permit type (from short term now to long term)?

I can share the work permit image if that's allowed in the forum.

Regards
Deb

Well, I've never heard of a B permit being that short, but if that's what they've issued you with that's their decision.

Not really sure what you're asking in your last question. You don't change the permit type anyway, the Swiss authorities decide what type you'll get and how long it lasts for. If your company asks for a longer one when renewal time comes around it's up to the Swiss to say yes or no. They could decide to issue a short term one again, even if your company's asked for a long term one.

Did you receive your B permit and it reads the validity of 2/12/2014? Or this date is written in the permit authorization document?
What I mean that if it is in the authorization paper then perhaps the date means the validity of the decision, or the D visa that you will get (not the validity of permit)?

Have you got an actual permit card? They're usually credit card size for non-EU nationals, not a document. As happyrobbie says that could be the authorisation document for the issuing of your permit. Did you apply for a Type D visa in your home country before coming to Switzerland?