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Converting a residence permit

Either during or at the end of a course of study, a student can apply for a residence permit on the basis of a different motive (work, family reunification with a derived permit if married). In this case, two fundamental principles apply: The student will be subject...

Leaving Switzerland

If a student leaves Switzerland, the authorities may consider that their permit has become invalid and cancel it. This is a possibility if a student leaves Switzerland for a period of time (e.g. if they have to return to their country of origin for personal reasons)....

Purpose of stay achieved

If one fails or changes one’s course of study, the purpose of the stay for which the permit was granted may be considered as having been achieved. In such a case, the residence permit loses its validity. At the UNIGE, changing faculty or even department within a...

General information about permit expiry

All residence permits for educational purposes are tied to a specific purpose and are time-limited. Residence permits for studies cease to be valid in the following cases: after the expiration date when the holder leaves Switzerland when they are revoked, especially...