Navigating Swiss Immigration Post-University Graduation: A Guide
Revised Article:
So, let's crack some numbers.
In the recent academic year (2022/2023), an impressive influx of 76,257 international scholars graced Swiss universities, a remarkable surge from a decade ago, when just 53,578 foreigners were enrolled.
The big guns for this foreign student influx are the ETH Zurich and EPFL Lausanne, the two polytechnic institutes. These education powerhouses account for a large chunk of the foreign student population: about 35% of ETH's 21,000 students and over half at EPFL's 13,000 student body are foreigners.
Why the fuss over these two universities? Simple: they top the charts in their respective fields, particularly in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, engineering, computer science, and other tech-related aspects. Plus, they're renowned for pioneering research and innovation.
But can these academic wanderers root themselves in Swiss soil post-graduation, or must they hit the road again?
The answer depends on their nationality—much like residency in Switzerland in general. Citizens from EU or EFTA countries (Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) can stay put for 90 days while job-hunting; if they land a gig within this stretch, they can apply for a work/residency permit. A breeze, right? They just need to register at a commune in the canton they plan to inhabit and submit an employment contract.
However, things get tricky for non-EU/EFTA wanderers, who have to meet the same job requirements as other third-country job-seekers in Switzerland. But there's a glimmer of hope, as some legislative motion is afoot to enable non-EU/EFTA students to stay and work in Switzerland post-grad if they bag degrees in sought-after fields[2]. However, this legislation faces obstacles as it lacks a legal basis for third-country nationals to reside in Switzerland indefinitely, akin to their EU/EFTA counterparts[3].
Now, here's a fun fact: According to Swiss immigration law (Federal Act on Foreign Nationals, or FNA), foreign scholars with a Swiss university degree may be granted entry if their work is academically or economically valuable. However, the extent of their stay in Switzerland is limited to a 6-month job search period following their graduation from a Swiss university[4].
This 'academic or economic interest' means no Swiss or EU/EFTA grad can fill the shoes of these scholars in a shortage-stricken field[4]. To snag a temporary permit, they'll need a uni letter confirming graduation, plus proof that they've got the cash ('n' abode) for the 6-month stint, so as to avoid squabbling with welfare benefits. If they can't land a gig in that duration, it's boot-scootin' time, as these permits aren't renewable[4].
So, how tough is it for non-EU/EFTA wanderers to establish their roots in Switzerland after graduating? Share your stories with us!
- The proportion of foreign students in the polytechnics of ETH Zurich and EPFL Lausanne, renowned for their expertise in education-and-self-development areas like science, technology, engineering, mathematics, engineering, computer science, and other tech-related aspects, is quite substantial.
- For citizens from EU or EFTA countries, such as Liechtenstein, finding jobs and establishing residency in Switzerland after graduation is relatively easier, as they can job-hunt for 90 days and apply for a work/residency permit if they secure employment within this period.
- In contrast, non-EU/EFTA students face more challenges in staying and working in Switzerland after graduation, as they must meet the same job requirements as other third-country job-seekers and navigate complex legislative processes.
- Foreign scholars with a Swiss university degree, including those from non-EU/EFTA countries, may be granted entry if their work is academically or economically beneficial, but they are only allowed a 6-month job search period following graduation and cannot renew their permits if they fail to secure employment within this timeframe.
