Vanessa Knecht

Experienced immigration expert with over ten years of specialization in Swiss immigration, including work and residence permits, family reunification, and citizenship processes. Strong track record in managing complex cases and navigating diverse cantonal regulations. Active in global coordination to ensure seamless cross-border immigration processes and experienced in leading compliance projects in collaboration with HR and Global Mobility teams.

As Manager, I combine technical expertise with leadership responsibilities, coaching and developing team members while driving client success. Focused on process optimization and technology-driven solutions, I contribute to the continuous improvement of immigration services and stay closely connected to international networks to remain at the forefront of industry developments.

Manager at KPMG AG (2025-10 – Present)

• Overall responsibility for multiple complex client engagements, including strategic planning, delivery, quality assurance, budgeting, and billing.
• Lead client relationships at management level, ensuring long-term partnerships and identifying opportunities for growth.
• Provide strategic guidance on immigration law compliance projects, collaborating with senior HR, Global Mobility, Tax, and Social Security stakeholders.
• Supervise, coach, and develop a team of consultants and assistant managers, fostering professional growth and high-quality client service.
• Drive innovation and process improvements by implementing technology-driven solutions to enhance efficiency, compliance, and client experience.
• Represent the Swiss immigration practice in global coordination, aligning cross-border services for multinational clients.
• Deliver high-level client presentations, workshops, and thought leadership on Swiss and international immigration topics.

Assistant Manager, Short-Term Assignment at KPMG UK (2025-07 – 2025-09)

• Gained practical insight into UK immigration requirements and compliance processes through close collaboration with the local Global Mobility and Immigration team.
• Expanded international network by working with colleagues across different service lines and engaging with UK-based clients.
• Enhanced intercultural competence and adaptability by immersing in a new working environment and participating in cultural exchange initiatives.
• Strengthened collaboration skills and deepened understanding of cross-border client needs within the global KPMG network.

Assistant Manager at KPMG AG (2023-02 – 2025-06)

• Independent management of multiple engagements with one or more consultants, including responsibility for billing and engagement codes.
• Key role in global coordination for several international clients
• Expertise in handling immigration law compliance projects, working closely with HR and Global Mobility teams.
• Client relationship management
• Consulting and support for existing clients as well as potential new clients in all migration law-related matters.
• People Manager for junior staff, training in Swiss immigration, reviewing emails and applications.
• Coordination with Tax and Social Security teams on complex client inquiries, preparation of memos, and delivery of client presentations and workshops.
• Strong focus on improving immigration services through technology-driven solutions, enhancing efficiency and compliance.

Senior Consultant at Deloitte AG (2022-04 – 2022-12)

• Managed multiple client engagements with responsibility for billing, coordination, and quality of deliverables.
• Advised and supported clients in all migration law-related matters, reviewed applications, and collaborated with Tax and Social Security teams on complex cases.
• Acted as Tech Champion by developing and improving processes for the Support Team and implementing a new file management system for Tax & Legal.

Senior Consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers AG (2020-10 – 2022-03)

• Managed mandates for internal clients and maintained regular communication with partners and directors across service lines.
• Advised and supported clients in all areas of Swiss immigration law, including work and residence permits, family reunification, citizenship, and related applications.
• Coordinated with Global Mobility, Tax, and Social Security teams on complex cases and delivered client memos, presentations, and workshops.

Immigration Expert at Cantonal Migration Authority (2015-10 – 2020-09)

• Reviewed, processed, and decided on a wide range of applications under the FZA and AIG, including short-term, residence, settlement, work, family reunification, and entry permits.
• Conducted independent legal assessments, drafted official decisions and orders, and ensured compliance with Swiss immigration law.

Legal Assistant at Lustenberger Rechtsanwälte (2012-08 – 2015-09)

Business Law in Business Law – Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften (2014-09 – 2015-07)

Commercial apprenticeship with vocational baccalaureate diploma in Commercial – Weseta Textil AG (2009-07 – 2012-07)