Our renewal experience, canton SZ:

Pretty much a rubber stamp.

Gemeinde sent the usual short form confirming current details, which we returned to them. Received an invite to the Migrationsamt a few weeks later. At the Migrationsamt they did fingerprints again (and yes, I had to un-splint a finger, but they were kind, no problem) and IIRC take a new photo.

No request for language certificates or other proof of integration.

We first received our C permits many years ago, before any language requirements were in effect. I have mine, but the canton and Gemeinde don't know that. OH does not have a language certificate and so I was worried - unnecessarily as it turned out. He conducted his appointment in his usual mishmash of Swiss- and Standard German, the same way he conducts his life, so I'll assume that passed muster.

So we're good for another 5 years.

My husband got a letter recently about his B permit being due for renewal in December and informing him he could now apply for a C if he met the criteria. Although we take classes we're not confident about passing the necessary German needed, so he sent his forms back with a note explaining he doesn't have the certificates yet.
He got a new B permit sent out to him saying he could apply for a C when he has the right certificates.

Hey Folks,

People who got their C permit renewed in 2020, Can you share information about the documents required by migrationsamt in zurich?

During initial application of C permit 5 years back, I was required to submit german a2 language certificate, employment contract, salary slip along with confirmation from debt register and Sozialamt. Curious to know if the same documents need submission again.

End of 2018, I turned up, letter hadn’t arrived yet, paid the fee, signed the form, and took a passport photo with the booth in the corner (looks could have changed since last time).

And that was it. Easy-peasy. You’re renewing the permit, not re-applying for “C” status...

🤓

you mean you went to the immigration office in ZH without an appointment and filled the form for renewal then and there and gave them a photo and finger prints? is that really so simple?


I thought the application for renewal should always go from your local gemainde.
Also did you not submit other documents like proof of employment, criminal record extract and no debts certificate for the renewal?


cheers
happycreature

In general permit C is awarded for an indefinite duration and unconditional. The renewal process is only that you get a new physical permit with a new expiration date. Just like applying for a new passport.

Agreed but there must be a basis on which the renewal is granted (e.g. no debts, no criminal record, should be employed etc). I am trying to understand this basis and the supporting documents needed.
Are you saying that you don't need to submit any of the above documents for a C renewal in ZH canton?


Nichtsbesonders,
am I correct in my question? I know C renewal is unconditional but cannot belive that it is so straight forward


cheers
happycreature

You could have debts, a criminal record and be unemployed. It would still be renewed.

The basis for renewal of the physical card is that you got the permanent residency (Niederlassungserlaubnis) in the first place. Art. 63 VZAE https://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classifi...index.html#a63
You can request a new card no earlier than 3 months before the expiration of the old one. You must request a new card latest 14 days before it expires. Exceptions can be granted.

On the other hand, there is a basis for losing permit C due to criminal behavior, long term social aid dependency, or total lack of integration etc. See Art. 63 FNIA https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classifi...index.html#a63
This can happen anytime the conditions for a revocation are met. In case of lack of integration there will first be a warning and time to do better.

__________________
"Okay, I just hope we don't wake up on Mars or something surrounded by millions of little squashy guys."

No. Think about this way: when you're renewing your passport, you're not actually renewing your citizenship, you just get a new document affirming it. The permanent residence right conveyed by a C permit has the same nature. You don't renew it, it's permanent. You can get it revoked (if you commit a serious crime or become a burden on the state etc.), true, but it doesn't expire. Well one can get a citizenship revoked too, it's just the conditions for it are much narrower.

Common mistake. The heavy bumf, criminal record etc., is to GET the “C”. Once you have it, renewal is as easy as extending your half-price railcard. I expect the 5 year limit is just to ensure your paperwork has an up-to-date photo...

And to make sure your base identity document from your home country is not expired and no details have changed.

They have never checked that when we’ve renewed C permits, they’ve never even asked to see our passports.

Then as with so many things it could very a lot on how it is done in different cantons.

Ah, yes, I recall I had to show passport as ID, too... but still easy-peasy

Fresh information from Migrationsamt Zurich: for renewal of C permit for EU, they are checking employment (can be on RAV but they do not like it), debt register for high amounts, cannot be on social support and clean criminal record. If not happy with the documents, they can downgrade to B or ask the person to leave Switzerland.

Do they actually require you to submit those documents (debt register certificate etc.) and get a stamp from your employer the same way as when renewing a B permit? That would be a rather radical change to the existing practice.

That´s new then, renewed last year without any of the above. It doesn´t mention that on the website

https://www.stadt-zuerich.ch/prd/de/...lassung_c.html

It is surprising such radical changes can be made without first changing the laws. do you or anyone following this thread have a link to the new law that governs this?


For sure, the authorities wont do any such thing which they know wont stand in the court, if challenged.
cheers
happycreature

Art. 62 and 63 FNIA in force since 1. Jan. 2018

This has nothing to do with renewal and can be done any time. However, before a downgrade to permit B happens there is normally a warning and time to change ones behavior. Art. 62a VZAE