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American with French residency looking for job near Geneva
Oct 30, 2013 @ 18:41

Hi everyone,


As the title indicates, I am an American that holds a "carte de séjour" resident card in France. I have been here 6 years and fluent in both languages. I live on the French/Swiss border but would like to work in or around Geneva. I've already visited the "control des habitants" in Nyon and a lady explained that I cannot apply for the work permit unless 1. live in Switzerland, 2. married to a European guy (I'm divorced from one), or 3. may make an exception if I have an application to become a French citizen in process.  I think that I may be missing something because I do not need to live in Switzerland because I have papers/resdicency in France. So I shouldn't need a Visa to work in Switzerland, should I? I've also heard that companies can do the necessary paperwork if they want to take me on. Is this true?


I have a university degree and am tired of working for peanuts in France. (Honestly, I made more money in the US when I was a college STUDENT!)  I plan to pass this Friday (bank holiday in France) to post some resumes. All input is very welcome! Thanks in advance!


Apryl

The text you are quoting:

Hi everyone,


As the title indicates, I am an American that holds a "carte de séjour" resident card in France. I have been here 6 years and fluent in both languages. I live on the French/Swiss border but would like to work in or around Geneva. I've already visited the "control des habitants" in Nyon and a lady explained that I cannot apply for the work permit unless 1. live in Switzerland, 2. married to a European guy (I'm divorced from one), or 3. may make an exception if I have an application to become a French citizen in process.  I think that I may be missing something because I do not need to live in Switzerland because I have papers/resdicency in France. So I shouldn't need a Visa to work in Switzerland, should I? I've also heard that companies can do the necessary paperwork if they want to take me on. Is this true?


I have a university degree and am tired of working for peanuts in France. (Honestly, I made more money in the US when I was a college STUDENT!)  I plan to pass this Friday (bank holiday in France) to post some resumes. All input is very welcome! Thanks in advance!


Apryl


Apryl BOct 30, 2013 @ 18:41
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Re: American with French residency looking for job near Geneva
Post 1
Oct 30, 2013 @ 20:14

I think this blog comes in handy:


http://www.jordico.com/how-to-get-a-work-permit-in-switzerland-as-a-non-eu-citizen/


In short it means that the hiring company must go through a lot of trouble to get you a permit. The thing is that they have to be willing to do so. It's the reason why you see under a lot of job adds: Only for CH citizens or EU passport holders and some cases you are requested to already have a B permit.


As you are living in France you get a different then a B permit to be allowed to work in Switzerland(Im not very knowledgeable about that), however I think the same trouble for the hiring company applies.


I dont know what your qualifications are, but there are a lot of highly qualified French people working in CH with an excellent knowledge of English. With your passport not helping you in the hiring process, maybe try to take on German classes to improve your chances.


Good luck!

The text you are quoting:

I think this blog comes in handy:


http://www.jordico.com/how-to-get-a-work-permit-in-switzerland-as-a-non-eu-citizen/


In short it means that the hiring company must go through a lot of trouble to get you a permit. The thing is that they have to be willing to do so. It's the reason why you see under a lot of job adds: Only for CH citizens or EU passport holders and some cases you are requested to already have a B permit.


As you are living in France you get a different then a B permit to be allowed to work in Switzerland(Im not very knowledgeable about that), however I think the same trouble for the hiring company applies.


I dont know what your qualifications are, but there are a lot of highly qualified French people working in CH with an excellent knowledge of English. With your passport not helping you in the hiring process, maybe try to take on German classes to improve your chances.


Good luck!


ThomasNL, Oct 30, 2013 @ 20:14
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Re: American with French residency looking for job near Geneva
Post 2
Oct 31, 2013 @ 19:55

Hi Thomas!


Thanks for the link to the jordico article. I'm already a follower of his and have read many of his posts but never stumbled on this one in spite of all my Googling. Thanks! 


I never seem too have the easy route in life (easy is too boring for me) but it's just an obstacle and I'm confident I'll get in there eventually. I am not a rocket scientist or anything that spectacular, but I think my resumé is up to par now on the international experience level that I should start investing in bigger and better. 


I've been thinking about incorporating German recently. You are right; it would be an asset. I learned to read and write mangled French in 3 months in an online chatroom so I really should start adding German to the loop. No better time than now.


Thanks again for taking the time to reply! 


Cheers!

The text you are quoting:

Hi Thomas!


Thanks for the link to the jordico article. I'm already a follower of his and have read many of his posts but never stumbled on this one in spite of all my Googling. Thanks! 


I never seem too have the easy route in life (easy is too boring for me) but it's just an obstacle and I'm confident I'll get in there eventually. I am not a rocket scientist or anything that spectacular, but I think my resumé is up to par now on the international experience level that I should start investing in bigger and better. 


I've been thinking about incorporating German recently. You are right; it would be an asset. I learned to read and write mangled French in 3 months in an online chatroom so I really should start adding German to the loop. No better time than now.


Thanks again for taking the time to reply! 


Cheers!


Apryl B, Oct 31, 2013 @ 19:55
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