Hi,

I'm wondering if my permit is opened or closed. My employer name is not written on it, however, 3 months ago when I asked the authorities they replied:

"Vous étés au bénéfice d’une autorisation de séjour, limitée à un, renouvelable. Un changement d’emploi et d’activité n’est pas admis, sauf raisons majeurs."

I guess it is restricted right? What does it mean, "except for major reasons"?

Yes, your employment is limited to your current employer, who likely had to justify why you should be employed when there are many EU/Swiss residents unemployed.

Major reasons likely include the second coming, or something similar.

Thanks for your answer. I didn't understand you when you say the "second coming". What does it mean?

I once came across a cantonal document with examples of such important reasons but I cannot find it now. I remember that some examples were like when you were abused at your workplace (and could prove it in court) or some cases when your employer ceased to exist.

Just wanting to switch to a new job isn't good enough.
Even getting fired by your current employer while on a non-EU tied permit isn't a good enough reason to let you be hired by someone else in Switzerland, the authorities will generally ask you to leave Switzerland.

Something that occurs very, very, very rarely.

So, how can I go from restricted to unrestricted permit? Is there any way?

Be here long enough and you might be granted one come renewal time. That's the only way.

Well, some things will help. Speaking the language, being integrated (aware of local, cantonal and federal politics, having Swiss friends, being members of local clubs, reading the local media).

Does that affect an open B permit?

No, but it probably would assist the transition to a C permit after 5/10 years.

The only way is to ask your present employer to ask the cantonal labor market office to remove the restriction. Note that they don't really have anything to gain from it, so they probably won't do it unless you have a really good relationship.
Sometimes the labor market office removes the restriction on their own after you have worked a number of years on a tied permit. But that's not always so and it seems to be pretty random. E.g. me and my SO were hired by the same big multinational company with identical job titles and similar salary, our background is similar and we have the same non-EU citizenship but her B permit was open from day 1 and mine was always tied until I got a C permit after having lived here for 5 years.

I already live in western Switzerland for 6 years, I speak French (passed exams), have Swiss Uni degree, member of some organizations. So maybe I stand good chances for C anticipé The point is I lived first in Vaud, then in Valais and now again in Vaud, so I am not sure in the end.

I had a restricted B permit for 10 years until I got the C. When I had moved from GE to VD my permit carried the endorsement “Not valid for working in Vaud”.