(edit title) Residency Permit Question US Citizen Options

[mattjameson]

Hey everyone,

I'm an American citizen with a BA from a top American university moving to Sweden this August for a master's program. I really want to become a Swedish citizen, and to that effect have taught myself Swedish over the last few years (to the point where I can read/write well and speak conversationally).

I really want my two years studying to count toward citizenship requirements, and am wondering if I come to Sweden this summer before school begins to work (on a work visa), and continue to work part-time during the school year (on my student visa), whether MV will count that period under the student visa or the work visa.

If that wouldn't work, would extending my work visa (while simultaneously in possession of my student visa) work?

[axiom]

This sounds tricky, time spent on a Student Visa does not count towards citizenship and from reading some recent posts here, time spent on a work permit doesn't seem to count either.

Only after having a permanent residence permit does time seem to start counting, or alternatively being in a relationship with a Swede, in which case time starts counting from the day you obtained your permit.

Additionally, I don't think you can have two permits simultaneously, if you have a work permit, you can study providing you keep your job at the same time, the work permit ceases when you no longer have the job.

[Yorkshireman]

Only after having a permanent residence permit does time seem to start counting, or alternatively being in a relationship with a Swede, in which case time starts counting from ... (show full quote)

Only after having a permanent residence permit does time seem to start counting, or alternatively being in a relationship with a Swede, in which case time starts counting from the day you obtained your permit. ... (hide full quote)

Even the sambo permit has 2 years before You can get a permanent, and that 2 years is dependant on the relationship, if it ends the permit is withdrawn.

[axiom]

indeed you are correct

[mattjameson]

Additionally, I don't think you can have two permits simultaneously, if you have a work permit, you can study providing you keep your job at the same time, the work permit ... (show full quote)

Additionally, I don't think you can have two permits simultaneously, if you have a work permit, you can study providing you keep your job at the same time, the work permit ceases when you no longer have the job. ... (hide full quote)

If I were to work over the summer, I'd need a work permit since it'd be full time. During the school year, I can work up to 20 hours a week on my student visa, but would it be possible to extend my work permit from the summer (either working for the same company or not), but only utilize it for part-time work to get around the student visa time not counting bit?

[Yorkshireman]

As far as I remember there is no limitation to the number of hours You can work with a student permit. however, when Your studies end you are expected to leave the country, unless You can apply for a permit extension due to work or living with someone (relationship) that has a permanent residency.

Work permit for the probationary 2 years is restricted to a named employer and occupation, if that changes You have to apply for a new permit.

Why in such a rush to drop Your American citizenship?

[mattjameson]

Why in such a rush to drop Your American citizenship?

I wouldn't be. Both Sweden and the US allow dual citizenship with the other.

[queenS]

This sounds tricky, time spent on a Student Visa does not count towards citizenship and from reading some recent posts here, time spent on a work permit doesn't seem to co ... (show full quote)

This sounds tricky, time spent on a Student Visa does not count towards citizenship and from reading some recent posts here, time spent on a work permit doesn't seem to count either.

Only after having a permanent residence permit does time seem to start counting, or alternatively being in a relationship with a Swede, in which case time starts counting from the day you obtained your permit. ... (hide full quote)

Not quite true. Read here:
http://www.migrationsverket.se/info/499_en.html

[rtharper]

Here we go again =p

Trying to interpret the meaning of this and various answers from Migrationsverket has been the subject of a plethora of threads, already, just so you know We have never come to a resolution on this matter. Mostly, I think, because no one could believe the idea that you could live and work in Sweden for 9 years and only just be eligible for citizenship. We've never had anyone come on the boards and whether their work permit time did or did not count.

Common sense would dictate that it would count, because a 9 years' wait is absurdly long and is usually reserved for the more xenophobic countries in Europe (Switzerland's is 12 years, Denmark's is 9 years), but the way the wording is done makes it very unclear.

[axiom]

Just look through the forums for those who have actually written to Migrationsverket to ask.

http://www.thelocal.se/discuss/index.php?showtopic=49283

I cannot understand why this is still unclear. The answers indicate just this.

Take for example a researcher, he gets a permanent permit after four years according to MV however those four years do not count to citizenship, this is explicitly stated on the link posted in #8, he would have to spend 9years indeed to become a citizen.

http://www.migrationsverket.se/info/2962_en.html
http://www.migrationsverket.se/info/499_en.html

work permits are not included in the list of permits that count towards citizenship, quite the contrary, the page you linked to states " If you have received a temporary work permit for a specific occupation, you will normally not be able to count the time." and this is exactly what the permit is for the first four years as stated on:

http://www.migrationsverket.se/info/160_en.html

"the first two years the residence and work permit is restricted to one named employer and a particular profession ... If the residence and work permit has been extended after two years, it will be restricted to a particular profession."

We can choose not to believe it, but I am not sure that changes anything.

To the question by the OP:

Permits are not tied to hours, rather they are tied to salary so if you can earn 13000SEK per hour then one hour per month is enough.

[rtharper]

A trifle snappy, aren't we?

[axiom]

sure, why not ?

[rtharper]

Because it makes you the kind of person that makes this place rather hostile sometimes. I hope you don't treat people in real life the way you do when bolstered by anonymity on forums.

[axiom]

How nice, considering I never personally engage anyone in a conversation or attempt to degrade anyone's character either through my postings or via private messages. I make comments on topics and conversations and attempt to reply as clearly and accurately as I can, while respecting the fact that forums are about topics and discussions not about people.

But of course, feel free to point out where I have consistently made hostile comments towards an individual or attempt to make anyone feel less than part of this community. If this is so, then I will be more than happy to leave the forums so you may enjoy a less hostile environment.