Switzerland: Significant Processing Delays in the Canton of Geneva
August 4, 2021
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At a Glance
- The Canton of Geneva is currently taking 10 weeks to process immigration-related requests, up from the usual four to six weeks.
- This delay affects EU and non-EU nationals seeking new work permits, work permit renewals, changes of address and changes of employer, among other procedures, and is not expected to be resolved in the near future.
- Impacted foreign nationals and their employers should plan to gather documents and submit their immigration applications much earlier than usual to allow enough time for processing of work permits.
The situation
The Canton of Geneva is currently taking 10 weeks to process immigration-related requests, up from the usual four to six weeks. Local authorities are also not responding to update requests.
A closer look
Among other issues, the delays are caused by the expansion of an online system that is currently only available to cross-border permits (G), to other immigration processes. The tool allows application documents to be submitted online, which creates a faster case processing system than the current mail option. The timeline for this expansion to other immigration processes is not clear.
Impact
This delay affects EU and non-EU nationals seeking new work permits, work permit renewals, changes of address and changes of employer, among other procedures.
Impacted foreign nationals and their employers should plan to gather documents and submit their immigration applications much earlier than usual to allow enough time for processing of work permits.
Looking ahead
There is currently no workaround for foreign nationals affected by these delays and the issue is not expected to be resolved in the near future. Fragomen case teams will inform affected applicants of possible delays.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
