After spending over a decade in this country, I am facing some big changes in the near future - I will most likely be moving to across the Channel for the next step of my career.
And, as many OPs in this sub-forum, I have a B permit which expires the same date as my current work contract expires. Which would mean that, as a non-EU (who has no perks such as staying 90 days as a tourist with my passport), I should deregister and leave the country.
The twist is this: As shared in another thread, my current employer & I signed a 10% contract for 6 months, which requires me to have a work permit - as I need to be on site. The employer's HR filled up the B permit extension form (sent by the Migrationsamt) and warned that they are not sure if the Migrationsamt would approve (as it's not permanent and is very little). They suggested contacting Migrationsamt- who, of course, said that they will evaluate it and update us as and when they have any updates.
My question then is whether, anyone would happen to know if, in the case of a negative outcome (hope not!), I could deregister and leave the country to the UK (for which I have a visa) and apply for a tourist visa to CH? This wouldn't be for working, but to organise my big move and all the assorted bureaucracy steps (1-3 pillars, banks, insurances, apartment handover etc.).
p.s. from what I see, one needs to apply from their country of residence - which makes it tricky
Indeed. So which country is going to be your country of residence when you move?
You could try asking the cantonal migration office if they would grant you a tourist visa here for those 3 months so you could sort things out.
And I’d already be preparing to leave just in case the permit isn’t extended - frankly with only 10% pay I doubt it will be. Get as much done ahead of time as you can; if the permit does get extended it won’t matter much, you’ll just be ahead in your planning.
I’ve certainly have never heard of Swiss authorities driving law abiding ex-immigrants to the border on the day after permit expiry. I expect you will be allowed to put your affairs in order, not enough to be a tourist though.
Talk to your control des habitants .
Moving to the UK.
I had actually negotiated a late starting date (Oct) with my next employer thinking that it would give me enough time to finish the 10%. The problem with leaving on 31st August (getting things sorted) is that I have work-related travel outside CH and work-related meetings until 31st. So makes it rather really tough unless I skip sleeping.
I'll ask about the tourist visa. I have an extract of my bank details - should they think I will ask for benefits.
The problem would be when moving out of the country, I suppose. I will ask the Migrationsamt/Control des habitants. Going now with my 10% extension request....
We have gone through this situation long time ago.
Usually when your permit is not renewed/rejected due to a certain permit quota or some employer-project-duration rules, you will be given enough time even after the expiry date. You can request at least 3 months. In our experience, always a visit to the Migrationsamt is worth it. Also, depending on the person in the counter, when you do not receive a reasonable response - wait in line and take another token and try a different counter.
We used to do this even in the good old SBB counter days. You never know which person has more information and patience to really help you!!!
Thank you for this encouraging reply. I hope they will be amenable to 2 months after the expiry date.
The Migrationsamt here has only one counter