I would be happy if you could clarify what are the chances to get a job approved for graduates with L permit? And if you know what documents are waived comparing to hiring a non-EU person with no Swiss education?
I still have my non-EU student permit B for now, planning to handover and defend my thesis in September. And I assume that, once I have passed my thesis this would be the date when student B permit is no longer valid and L permit starts?
I'm already having couple of interviews, and slightly confused on what to say about my permit situation in Switzerland in an interview and do not want to scare my future employer.
Yes, job search L permit will be issued after studies are completed (you need to apply for it). The employer does not need to prove they did not find anyone in CH and EU, as a non-EU graduate from a Swiss uni you are considered at the same level as locals.
Hey. Thanks for your reply. Do you know how long issuing of this graduate L permit takes? I want to prepare what to say to my future employer about the start dates.
Additionally, do you know if I need this L permit? Or I can apply for a job right away once graduated? Thanks!
What you might find is that Swiss employers might not be familiar with this law and think they would need to go through the non-Swiss/non-EU hiring procedure. An American friend of mine who recently finished her PhD had several employers insist they couldn't hire her as she's non-EU. She decided to expedite her marriage (to an EU passport holder) and now has a B permit, which for her made the job hunt much easier.
I suggest you make it very clear in your cover letter/interview that any potential employer would be able to hire you as the equivalent to an EU person. Quoting the relevant law and/or providing a link would be helpful.
For me the L permit itself took 3 months to be issued. You will need to have a proof of financial means for those 6 months (validity of job search L permit). Once you get a job your employer will apply for normal B permit (it‘s a straightforward process in this case). The main requirement is that your salary level represents your area, level of education, experience.
I dont think you necessarily need this L permit to be honest, but i do not have personal experience of a direct jump.
My main considerations to go through job search L permit was the fact that as a student I had no right to work and therefore job search was technically illegal. And as a non-EU I would have to leave the country after completion of studies and apply for a work visa from my home country.
Actually, I already have a job -> first, it was an internship in the company, then a working student position (currently). Once I am graduated, I assume the working student position would not be valid anymore, and I would need to resign.
One of the interviews, is for an internal position at my current employer. Just in case should I take up a lawyer, if this make sense? I also found A-link (this is a company), who provides a letter stating about the graduate permits and etc.
I just don't know what correct strategy to use... Anyways thanks for everything!
Aha, then in this case job search L permit dies not make sense. You can apply directly as you already working at this company. In this case it‘s some type of ‚prolongation‘. I dont think you need a lawyer, but make sure you meet with HR and show them the legislation regarding Swiss graduates, they need to understand that you do not require sponsorship.
Perfect. Good thing is that we a good HR team backed up with immigration knowledge. Seems that chances are not bad. Thank you for your suggestions, very helpful!