Stay in Switzerland After Graduation with a Post-Study Work Visa

Switzerland is an excellent country for educational purposes. For this reason, several international students are studying in the country. A post-study work visa allows the student to stay back in the country to seek work. However, Switzerland has no such provision. Instead, a residence permit is given. International students planning to study in Switzerland must be aware of the residence permit, its conditions, the application process, and other details. It can be beneficial for the students after the completion of their studies. Keep reading to learn more about Switzerland post study work visa.

Does Switzerland Offer Post Study Work Visa?

No. Switzerland is a part of the Schengen area. Therefore, a Switzerland post study work visa doesn’t exist. That said, international students who have graduated from Switzerland can stay back in the country with the help of a residence permit. A Switzerland residence permit allows the student to stay back in the country for 6 months. During this period, the student can seek employment opportunities in Switzerland. However, the job needs to be consistent with the qualifications obtained by the student. 

Learn all about Switzerland visa for Indians

Switzerland Residence Permit

International students can stay back in Switzerland after the completion of their studies. The stay type is divided based on the nationality of the student.  A bilateral Agreement on the free movement of persons (FMP)  allows EU/European Free Trade Association Nationals to select their place of employment and residence freely. On the other hand, the Third Country Nationals will have to apply for a residence permit. There is no Switzerland post study work visa. Hence, the third-country nationals will have to apply for a residence permit to stay in the country.

Conditions for Seeking Jobs In Switzerland

After graduation, the international student must obtain a Switzerland post study work visa/ residence permit. A residence permit is given for 6 months. During this time, a student can seek employment opportunities in the country. The employment must in consistent with the qualification. The job-seeking conditions are as follows:

• Provide a certificate of competition of education at the university/college
• Must have suitable housing for staying in the country
• Additionally, the student must have the necessary financial resources to stay in the country 

Residence Permit for Post Graduate Studies or Training 

After completion of their studies, international students can apply for postgraduate studies or training at a university or educational institution. The conditions for obtaining a graduate education are as follows:

• Must provide written confirmation from an educational institution that the person is eligible for the training or education 
• Additionally, the student must have accommodation in Switzerland 
• Must have sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay in Switzerland

Note; To obtain a Switzerland post study work visa/residence permit post-graduation students must have completed their education from a  Swiss University. 

For further information on Residence permits and work permits watch the video below:

Switzerland Residence Permit Working Hours 

The Switzerland post study work visa/ residence permit is available to students after the completion of their graduate studies. International students can work for a duration of 15 hours for 6 months. During this time, the students can be employed with a company based in Switzerland.

Types of Residence Permits in Switzerland for international students

As per the Swiss government, companies cannot hire foreign workers unless there are no suitable candidates available in Switzerland for the job. Therefore, only Third country nationals with a higher education have a real chance of applying for a residence permit. There are different types of residence permits available. They are;

Residence Permit	Description
B permit	Granted to the EU nationals who have received employment in Switzerland
L Permit	Workers form EU to work less than a year in the country without obtaining a work contract
Third country nationals-Developing countries students	Given on the basis of quotas

Download the free ebook for Work Permit in Switzerland 

Is it easy to get a job in Switzerland after graduation?

No. Getting a job in Switzerland after graduation is difficult. According to LinkedIn after completing graduation, 10%-15% of the students are employed. The rest of the international students leave the country. Generally, international students after completing their education are employed in areas where there is a labour demand.  For example, students of natural sciences, social sciences, and natural sciences can generally get employed. 

However, they must fulfill Article 21 paragraph 3 AIG. It means the student must work in research and development areas, new technology applications, or areas where the acquired expertise of the student is needed in the fields of activity of high economic interest. To apply for a job, first, the student must obtain the Switzerland post study work visa/residence permit after graduation. Then, the student can apply for jobs. 

Types of Switzerland Visas 

There are different types of Switzerland visas available for students apart from the Switzerland post study work visa/residence permit. The Switzerland visas vary depending on the duration of stay and the purpose of travel. The visa types are provided below;

• Schengen Visa- This visa is available for international travellers wanting to enter Switzerland for a maximum duration of 90 days.  The visa is given for tourism purposes, visiting friends, language studies, and participating in cultural or sporting events.
• National Visa- Individuals wanting to stay in Switzerland for more than 90 days can apply. The visa is given for long-term study, family reunification, or for marriage.
• Airport Transit Visa- The visa is available to nationals of particular countries. The visa is given to stay in the international transit area of the airport 
• Work Permit- The Swizerland work permit is given to an employer in Swizerland for the admission of workers who are foreign nationals. The visa is given with the authorization of the competent Cantonal Migration Authority.

Learn all about Swizerland visa for Indian students 

FAQs

We hope you now understand what is Switzerland post study work visa. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!

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