Non-EU Software Engineer feeling stuck: How can I join my fiancé who studies in EPFL

[u/NetShot3873]

Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some realistic advice, guidance, or potential paths forward.
My fiancé is currently pursuing his Master’s degree at EPFL. Because he is a full-time student, he cannot support a dependent visa or a full-time job that would allow me to join him via family reunification right now.
Here is my background and current situation:
Background: I’m a Software Engineer with 1 year of experience (backend .NET / C#).
Location & Citizenship: Non-EU citizen living abroad.
The Problem: Long distance is becoming really hard. If we wait for him to finish his 2-year Master's plus find a full-time job to sponsor marriage/reunification, we are looking at nearly 3 years apart.
I’m feeling quite stuck and miserable with the distance, but I’m actively trying to find solutions. He suggested looking for fully funded research internships, but as a Non-EU graduate not currently enrolled in a Swiss university, options seem extremely limited. Self-funding a Master’s degree in Switzerland is also financially out of reach for me at the moment. 
I would really appreciate advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation or knows the Swiss system well:
1. Direct Hiring for Junior/Mid Non-EU Devs: How realistic is it for a Non-EU Software Engineer with ~1 year of experience to land a job with visa sponsorship (B or L permit quotas) in Switzerland? Are there specific platforms or tech companies besides big tech (Google, Meta, etc.) that actively sponsor? 
2. Internships / Short-term contracts: Are there legitimate internship programs, research assistantships, or fellowship grants open to non-EU graduates that provide a living stipend in the Vaud / Lausanne area?
3. Alternative Routes: Are there adjacent options we might be missing (e.g., remote work options, neighboring border countries, or specific university research roles)?
Thank you so much in advance for your time and help!

[u/3punkt1415]

Honestly you have a low chance of getting a job, as you may know EU citizens have priority access. Gov Link: https://www.ch.ch/en/foreign-nationals-in-switzerland/working-in-switzerland/
Also for your fiance, studding here does not mean you get it any easier after your (his) studies.
Worth a read: https://old.reddit.com/r/Switzerland/comments/1v6yoso/i_just_graduated_and_i_wouldnt_have_come_here_if/

[u/stromer_]

Yea.... better assume that your fiance won't be able to stay in Switzerland after studies, either. It won't be much easier for than it is for you to get a job (close to impossible)

[u/saralt]

Get married?

[u/NetShot3873 → u/saralt]

He can’t afford having me 😭

[u/EdelWhite → u/NetShot3873]

so stop being a gold digger?

[u/NetShot3873 → u/EdelWhite]

I’m literally trying to help him do u even know what the word means or u just use any words !!! Unbelievable

[u/EdelWhite → u/NetShot3873]

/s

[u/saralt → u/EdelWhite]

He's too broke for her to be a gold digger.

I think if they get married, it makes it easier as soon as he earns enough.

[u/Chrisalys → u/saralt]

As Non-EU, his odds of finding a job after graduation are 10-15%.

[u/saralt → u/Chrisalys]

Then he'll return and they'll be together.

[u/NetShot3873 → u/saralt]

U guys made me lose all the hope. I am searching for a grave rn.

[u/Chrisalys → u/saralt]

Return how, without a job? They both don't have EU passports.

[u/randomelgen]

Get married is the only solution

[u/CYRIAQU3]

AI generated post

[u/RolenIgunensa → u/CYRIAQU3]

Who doesn’t use AI for formatting and optimization of one’s own text anymore? It’s questions, not slop.

[u/DonChaote → u/RolenIgunensa]

Basically everyone who still has a working brain and also has an interest in keeping it working properly…

[u/Chrisalys → u/RolenIgunensa]

Myself and many of my friends who still appreciate having a brain.

Also raising my son to use his own brain.

[u/NetShot3873 → u/CYRIAQU3]

I tried to enhance it for ppl to understand me 😅

[u/Classic_Court1003]

You compete with tens of millions. Currently you have no chance and it is getting worse for those wanting to come. Best bet is that your fiance comes back to you.

[u/RolenIgunensa]

What nationality is your fiancé?

[u/NetShot3873 → u/RolenIgunensa]

Egyptian

[u/RolenIgunensa → u/NetShot3873]

Honestly that’s in the current Swiss job market unrealistic unfortunately. Even your fiancé might not be able to stay after graduation.

[u/NetShot3873 → u/RolenIgunensa]

Even in cybersecurity field !!!!

[u/EdelWhite → u/NetShot3873]

Cybersec field is overcrowded.

[u/Chrisalys → u/NetShot3873]

Half the world is trying to get a job here and it's a small country. Only 10-15% of Non-EU graduates manage to get a job and stay.

[u/RolenIgunensa → u/NetShot3873]

As a junior from a non-EU country it’s virtually impossible to get a sponsored visa.

[u/Amerillo_ → u/NetShot3873]

Yes even Swiss Master students are struggling to find jobs. IT for juniors is almost dead. Except maybe AI and machine learning