A2 / B1 certificate for C-permit renewal

Visas, Permits, Passports and Naturalization
1
I got a C-permit through marriage (no language requirement then). I later got divorced, and my C-permit is to be 'renewed' / a new one given to me soon. At the time that my old permit expires, it will be exactly 10 years in Switzerland.

Will I need to show an A2 or B1 certificate? (while it will be exactly 10 years when the permit expires, I will send the paperwork 3 weeks in advance).

If I need to take a quick test, which is the best one you'll would recommend?

Also, my reading and writing are strong, but speaking is less so. Does anyone have any recommendations for improving on the speaking really quickly, and is there any one exam that is easier than another?

2
No you will not have to show any language certificate.

One last time: Permit C is awarded indefinite and unconditional you only have to get a new card.

3

Sorry, but I have to disagree. The new law made it clear that you have to be integrated into Swiss life, including having a set proficiency in a Swiss language, otherwise your C permit could be downgraded to a B permit.

“C-permit holders who do not meet the required language skills and/or fail to comply with an integration agreement may be relegated to a temporary residence status (B-permit).”

https://home.kpmg/ch/de/blogs/home/p…uirements.html

There’s also this PDF re the language requirements

https://www.eda.admin.ch/dam/countri…achweis_EN.pdf

4
Expect the law did not change the slightest for permit C holder, and all you have linked to applies to C permit applicants. Someone which has a permit C does not apply for a permit C.

5
@aSwissInTheUS I went to my gemeinde and they told me I needed to show a language certificate as part of my documents, but they couldn't tell me whether I needed an A2 or B1. And that's what I've been trying to ascertain. But this law now apparently applies to both a new C-permit application and to those looking to extend it.

6
Thank you! I saw the requirements, but I can't tell if I will be treated as having spent 10 years already and so would only need the A2 spoken, or if they will ask for a B1 spoken because it will be a few weeks less than 10 years (I'm nitpicking I know. But here, I've learnt to err on the side of caution )

7
Do the new one (don’t know what it’s called sorry). You do the test and they tell you your level, you don’t have to enter a certain level exam.

8

Fide.

https://fide-service.ch/en/proofs/fide-test/

9

I was thinking about this one mentioned recently https://www.englishforum.ch/language…rtificate.html

10

I don’t read “C permit holder” being a C permit applicant.

From the PDF I linked:

" 4. In which situations must the foreign national give proof of the required language skills ?
The foreign national must show that they have the required language skills in order to:
a) obtain or extend a residence permit in the case of family reunification;
b) obtain a permanent residence permit in the case of family reunification;
c) obtain temporary admission in the case of family reunification;
d) extend their residence permit after dissolution of the family;
e) obtain a permanent residence permit
f) obtain a fast-track permanent residence permit
g) obtain Swiss nationality"

Since the OP says they’re divorced it seems clear to me they do need to provide a language certificate.

And again, I would point out that any C permit holder who doesn’t meet the integration criteria could be downgraded to a B permit; that is also clear in the law. Far as I know it doesn’t matter how many years you’ve had your C permit for; if you don’t meet the requirements then you risk being downgraded until you do. If you still don’t after a certain period of time then your permit to live/work here in Switzerland could be completely revoked.

Will find out whether I’m right or wrong next year as we have to renew our C permits and certainly won’t meet the criteria. Will it just renew as normal or will we have to agree to get our language skills up to scratch?

11
For what it's worth, I don't know of anyone who's been downgraded for their (lack of) language skills, and I am around a lot of people who work in English and send their kids to international schools. Yes, it is a possibility, but I think it's rare if you're a foreigner who can support him/herself and has no problems with the law.

12
FWIW I know of someone who got his C Permit downgraded to a B.

Mainly because of language skills.

So may not be as clear as we think.

13
I can't add anything useful about whether or not you need to A2 or B1, but if you decide you need to work on your speaking skills I found Goethe's Speak German Online option useful.

It's 30-minute structured conversations via video call with a native German speaker. You choose your level and what topic you want to talk about from a list of ten or 12. The people you speak to are not teachers but they have been given resources by Goethe to guide your conversations on the topic you chose.

I wanted to practice speaking/hearing High German before my language exam since I speak a mash of Swiss and High German and I live in a rural area with a strong dialect. This option was good for that, and since it's online was easy to fit in and do quickly.

I found all the Goethe speakers were patient and friendly. Some gave more useful feedback/were more willing to correct than others. The sessions gave me confidence I could get through 30 minutes of conversation with a stranger (I get nervous talking to strangers!) on the kind of topics that come up in the exams. The main downside is that you can't choose your speaker so if you find one who works well for you, you can't choose them for the next sessions.

14
Thank you everyone who has offered their views and advice. This process has been nerve-racking and I appreciate the help so much.

I have a completely off-topic question. I'm new on here, and haven't seem to figure out how to thank people for their posts. If someone could point me to how one reacts to posts, that would be great!

Thank you!

15
You need to have ten posts before the thanks button appears so you’re almost there.

16
Slightly off topic since in the case of the OP it's not a question of downgrading, but since that was brought up, the directives on the LEI explicitly say that lack of language skills alone is not grounds for downgrading. I don't remember the exact article and I don't have time to check right now, I'll try to get the exact quote later.

17
@TiaNa, try not to stress out at this stage. Wait and see what the canton sends to you (if anything) for renewal paperwork. They might not ask for a certificate at all. If they do ask for one, odds are you'll have time to get it, and you can probably show them proof of having registered for an exam in the short term.

If you need a certificate, many of our EF members have suggested going with Fide.

18
Also, isn't it helpful to know the reputation of which kanton you are applying?

Different kantons seem to vary in their strictness.

19
Yes. But in the meantime, treat improving your level of language competence as a high priority.

20

It's always a good idea, I agree!