Google Zurich - Swiss Work Visa

Sep 2, 2021 21 Comments

I accepted an offer from Google Zurich (L4) but I'm running into a lot of visa issues and delays. The immigration team is not being transparent about the timeline/process (they initially said I'll receive my first approval from cantonal authorities in 2-3 weeks then on 3rd week said it'll take 7 weeks and now that we're in the 7th week they're saying it's going to take an additional month). They also told me they have no idea why they're facing delays or when/how it can be resolved. The immigration team seems to be completely incompetent/clueless.

It's really frustrating especially because based on their initial advice and timelines, I made decisions to leave my job and give up residence in the country I'm working as an expat in.

Anyone else who went through the process and faced similar challenges? Any advice?

#Zurich #Swiss #Visa

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TOP 21 Comments
  • Do not resign before getting visa. Google will relocate to other EU country if Zurich is not possible. Reach out to recruiter instead of relocation team for more clarity. Please mention offer TC so that it helps to us.
    Sep 2, 2021 0
  • I was in the same boat, things got clear last week
    Sep 12, 2021 2
  • Amazon
    bsbxbsjs

    Go to company page Amazon

    bsbxbsjs
    Hey OP, did you get your visa? I’m in the same situation rn, waiting for visa, application filed on Sep 27th. Curious how much time did it take in your case?
    Nov 11, 2021 2
    • I still haven't received mine and they haven't communicated a timeline either. I'm now withdrawing from the process. Apparently the Swiss authorities are reluctant to give out visas to non-EU nationals now (it has always been difficult but it has gotten a lot worse now) and I've been told there are 40 other Google applicants in the same position. This has been going on since the start of the year and the immigration team did not think it was important to inform applicants about this. So if you are in this position, I'd advise you to not quit your job/make any plans.
      Nov 12, 2021
    • Amazon
      bsbxbsjs

      Go to company page Amazon

      bsbxbsjs
      Thanks so much for the insight! Yeah, these Deloitte people aren’t saying anything, wtf
      Nov 12, 2021
  • Switzerland has a very difficult work visa process for non-EU citizens which you could have easily learnt about if you'd just googled it beforehand. Google cannot guarantee you a visa, though chances with them are pretty good and at least they sponsor (most swiss companies just toss non-EU applications right away)

    There's only 8500 new non-EU work permits quota per year for whole of Switzerland, chopped up between different cantons and quarters of the year. Zurich gets to admit only a few hundred new non-EUs per quarter, so if you didn't make the cut this quarter you have to wait for another (and another...)
    Sep 2, 2021 1
    • I'm aware of that. The immigration team told me, in their experience, they have yet to see someone's visa being rejected in this case. If the immigration team feels there's a chance of getting rejected, they let Google know beforehand and they don't even submit the visa application.
      Sep 14, 2021
  • Yandex
    yndx

    Go to company page Yandex

    PRE
    Yandex
    yndx
    > based on their initial advice
    >> leave my job and give up residency

    I didn’t laugh that well for a very long time
    Sep 2, 2021 0