In practice, the OCPM often takes more than 15 days to decide on applications. While students are waiting for the renewal of their permit, they can keep residing in Switzerland and continue their studies. This is because Article 17 of the FNIA only applies to temporary stays. However, once you have been granted your first study permit, your stay is no longer considered temporary1 .
It is specified that “when the person concerned has submitted an application to extend a permit, he or she is authorised to stay in Switzerland during the procedure, provided that no other decision has been taken.”
Legal basis: Art 59 para. 2 ASEO