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Path context

Visa / work rights

Use visa information to verify whether a career path is workable for you. Visa and work rights stay separate from the public CampCareer Score.

6 verified routes

TemporaryPost-study job search

Swiss graduate job-search period

Switzerland

Official source
Processing time

Varies by canton, nationality, permit type, visa requirement and case completeness

Success rate

Not published

Duration

Maximum 6 months after completion of eligible Swiss higher education

Requirements

6 items
  • Third-country nationality and graduation from a recognised Swiss university or university of applied sciences
  • Application to the competent canton before the existing student status ends
  • A genuine search for employment matching the completed qualification
  • Sufficient funds, accommodation and health insurance for the six-month period
  • A qualifying job still requires the employer and canton to complete the relevant work-authorisation procedure
  • The normal Swiss and EU/EFTA recruitment-precedence rule may be waived only when the graduate's employment represents an overriding scientific or economic interest

Process overview

Total: Varies by canton, nationality, permit type, visa requirement and case completeness
  1. 1

    Confirm the canton and permit route

    Before applying

    Use the linked SEM guidance and the competent cantonal authority to confirm the permit type, visa requirement, local fee and document checklist.

  2. 2

    Secure the study, job or placement basis

    Preparation stage

    Obtain the admission, Swiss degree evidence, employment contract, training agreement, host-family placement or other route-specific documents.

  3. 3

    Submit through the responsible authority

    Application stage

    Applications are normally handled by the canton, employer, Swiss representation or home-country authority depending on the route and nationality.

  4. 4

    Complete entry and registration formalities

    Varies by canton, nationality, permit type, visa requirement and case completeness

    Wait for the required authorisation, obtain any entry visa, then register with the commune within the applicable deadline and before beginning restricted work.

Cost breakdown

No fixed amount is shown because the official fee depends on the route, applicant or application location.

Applicants must maintain lawful residence and meet cantonal finance, insurance and registration requirements during the search period. Switzerland has canton-specific permit and visa fees, so no single national total is shown; confirm the amount with the responsible authority.

Top cities

ZurichGenevaBasel