RAV (Regionales Arbeitsvermittlungszentrum) letter explained in English
Regional employment centre. Helps you find a job when you are unemployed. You must go to its appointments and show that you are looking for work.
Letters you may get
- Einladung zum Beratungsgespräch — an appointment with your adviser
- Nachweis der persönlichen Arbeitsbemühungen — the form where you list your job applications
- Verfügung über Einstelltage — your benefits stop for some days as a penalty
What to do
- Hand in your list of job applications by the 5th of the next month.
- Register as soon as you know you will lose your job. You get no money for days before you registered.
- Find the deadline. Look for “Frist”, “bis zum”, “innert”.
- Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
- If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“Einsprache”, “Rechtsvorschlag”, “Rekurs”, “Beschwerde”). See the template.
Words you may see
- Verfügung
- Formal decision by an office. It becomes final if you don’t object in time.
- Einstelltage
- Days without unemployment money, as a penalty — for example after a missed appointment.
- Arbeitsbemühungen
- Your job applications. You must show them to the RAV every month, by the 5th of the next month.
Questions
What is the RAV (Regionales Arbeitsvermittlungszentrum)?
Regional employment centre. Helps you find a job when you are unemployed. You must go to its appointments and show that you are looking for work.
How long do I have to answer a letter from the RAV (Regionales Arbeitsvermittlungszentrum)?
It depends on the letter. Look for words like “Frist”, “bis zum”, “innert” — they mark the deadline. In Switzerland, a legal deadline starts the day after you receive the letter. A registered letter you don’t collect usually counts as delivered on the 7th day after the collection notice (Abholungseinladung). To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“Einsprache”, “Rechtsvorschlag”, “Rekurs”, “Beschwerde”).
Can I read a RAV (Regionales Arbeitsvermittlungszentrum) letter in English?
Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in German. Your letter never leaves your device.
Other offices in Switzerland
Kantonales Steueramt / Steuerverwaltung · Gemeindesteueramt · Arbeitslosenkasse · Migrationsamt · Einwohnerkontrolle / Einwohneramt · Krankenkasse · Serafe AG · Betreibungsamt