From A to Z

Work Permit has been issued...I repeat, work permit has been issued for the boy. This is fantastic news as we have heard horror stories about the process so we feel pretty lucky. This is how it worked for us:

1. Boy supplied a ton of personal/professional info on both of us to the Swiss based firm

2. Swiss based firm processed aforementioned info

3. Boy asked for updates, firm was mysterious

4. Firm told us today the Boy's work permit was approved and to go to Swiss Embassy to get our Visas

5. We are going to aforementioned Swiss Embassy Monday to get our Visa on...

Here is the link to the Swiss Embassy in Atlanta:
http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/reps/nameri/vusa/ref_visinf/visusa.html

If you are going to work in Switzerland coming from the US, these are the steps to take once your work permit has been issued by Switzerland:

Work Visa for US-citizens and other nationals for which an authorization has been given directly in Switzerland if your employer has applied for your work permit in Switzerland and it has been granted, you still must apply for a visa to enter Switzerland with the competent Swiss representation abroad.

To apply for the visa, you must submit the following documents to the competent Swiss representation:

1. One application form which is fully completed and signed by the applicant. Applications which are not duly completed, dated and signed will not be accepted. Please also indicate your e-mail address and a contact phone number in case additional information is required.
2. Two passport photos per applicant (very strict requirements, please consult the details on the webpage)
3. Applicant’s valid original passport
4. Visa fee (only money order or cash)
5. If applying by mail: one prepaid, self-addressed, return envelope with a tracking number

So now celebrate with boy and I by watching one of our favorite songs which inspired the title of this blog entry: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhN93rFZuJs

***Visa Update***

The boy and I went to the Swiss Embassy today to submit our paperwork for our visas. Things we were unaware of, were not told or were not listed on the Swiss Embassy website:

1. You cannot smile or show teeth in your passport photos. If you are a clown or a vampire, this will be particularly hard for you. I look like I belong on America's Most Wanted (primarily for taking such a horrible photo)
2. Even though we were pre-approved for our visas, we still had to fill out a visa application.
3. Visas are not processed instantaneously with pre-approval. The woman who greeted us at the window told us it could take 2-3 weeks which made our hearts skip a few beats, but later told by the actual Visa agent processing our paperwork that we could pick them up Wednesday.