I think it might have been advised in some threads (in case you can navigate any threads which exactly answering my enquiry please let me know) however I have a question regarding C permit application.
I have received a letter today about my cpermit process.
They ask three things, two of them are fine but the third one which is Language requirements, I have done the classes up to B1 however the papers do not look like the certificates but rather like like attest paper. (they ask A1 writing, A2 speaking)
Now they say if I don't have the proper certificate, I would then get another 5yrs permit however, I can apply for c permit at any time once the language requirements met.
My questions
What is the easiest way (test institutions etc) to get the certificate (also price info appreciated)
Can I also obtain the certificate from German institution? (obviously would he cheaper)
Your advise will be appreciated.
Thanks
Vincent
Ps: if I get c permit, the kids would get the c permit too?
The most useful one outside of permits etc. are the Goethe and the telc certificates which you can get nearly anywhere in the world. The fastest to get (most exam dates, shortest time till you get the result) is properly the Schweizerischer Digitaler Sprachtest SDS.
I became eligible for a C-Permit earlier this year at the start of the Corona problem and was unable to to prove my language skills with simple class attendance paperwork. You must have an officially recognised certificate. So they simply renewed the B-Permit.
Fast forward to this past summer after they opened the border again, I simply traveled up to Freiburg, Germany not far over the border, to the Goethe institute and took the test and passed.
After about 3-4 weeks I received the language certificate in the mail, took it to my local town hall and applied for the C-Permit. Approved no problem, received new permit within a few weeks.
The Goethe Test in Freiburg was 139 Euros, which is likely a better price than you might find for most tests in Switzerland.
At this point in time, with Coronavirus, the FIDE test as suggested by aswissintheus is probably your best and easiest option to stay within Switzerland and and get proper paperwork for upgrading your permit. Fide goes up to B1. Keep in mind FIDE is only recognised here in Switzerland for Permit purposes essentially.
I can not answer as to whether your children will automatically receive a C-Permit because you have one, but I doubt it.
If the children are at local schools then from here
The provisions on integration apply in essence to all foreign residents. There is no language requirement for unmarried children under 18 years of age, - (section 2.)
8. Do children have to provide proof of language skills? From what age? Do the same requirements apply as for adults?
Under the family reunification programme, unmarried children under 18 are not required to demonstrate any particular language skills (see Art. 42 para. 3 FNIA and Art. 44 para. 3 FNIA). The same applies to unmarried children of Swiss citizens who are below the age of 18.
Thank you very much, I checked SDS and the fee was about 240chf,
Immigrants just go to Freiburg then since from here it is only 45min drive or train.
Also one simple question, I have done the courses quite a long time ago, and I can get about the most of simple thing in German however, I feel I should revise all the study I did before, is there any good web Pages offering mock up test or anything like that? Also as I wrote they ask A1writing A2mundlich , zb Goethe offers separate test for each level or ?
I would have done SDS as they are very quick to certify(within 48hrs) if I have confidence but just to be safe I might probably do Goethe so that I can fail once lol.
Please let me know your thoughts, and how much was the c permit btw? (Guess each canton has different price but just to get an idea)
[QUOTE=Sonnenbrand;3241298]I became eligible for a C-Permit earlier this year at the start of the Corona problem and was unable to to prove my language skills with simple class attendance paperwork. You must have an officially recognised certificate. So they simply renewed the B-Permit.
Fast forward to this past summer after they opened the border again, I simply traveled up to Freiburg, Germany not far over the border, to the Goethe institute and took the test and passed.
The real test was very similar, it's truly good practice. The "Internet Anzeigen" was the most tricky and intentionally a little confusing on the real test, it's not that difficult though.
The speaking portion is really not too bad, mistakes can be made.
Keep in mind if you are nervous, only a 60% overall score is needed to pass which is quite generous. Written & Speaking tests can be done separately if desired.
FIDE is a great option to keep in mind as well. They don't do a specific test but more of an overall score up to B1. So they give the same test to everyone and wherever you score they give you the appropriate designation. A1, A2 or B1.
C-Permit cost? I am in Aragua. I forget exactly but I think it was between 150-200 Francs, most of it was the cost of paperwork.
Also, Duolingo was a great German learning tool for me, completion of all practice units will take someone to approaching B1 level, but unfortunately it does not focus much on German grammar which is quite a bit more complicated than English and also very important.
I was simply relaying my personal experience. I took the Goethe test and that made sense for me. You can determine what is best for you.
The "Internet anzeigen" is just the section of the Goethe test dealing with Internet classified ads, that section is intentionally designed to be a bit tricky with what's the best answer kind of response.
I have no personal experience with FIDE but I gathered it might be a tad bit easier as it deals with more practical everyday situations that you have likely already encountered being in Switzerland for awhile. There are several threads here on EF if you search.