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What are the best strategies for obtaining a work visa in Thailand when funds are locked in an ISA?

Thailand Work Visa Sponsorship Visa Application Process Financial Requirements for Visa British Nationals in Thailand ISA Restrictions and Work Visa Thai Embassy Advice

Jan 26, 2025

a year ago

Jessica ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi All. 

I am a British National applying in the UK for work vacation. 

However the 500,000thb is in a locked away in my ISA, so I am going to go down the sponsorship method. My boyfriend also works in Thailand as a teacher.

I am confident in my portfolio and will still show my ISA statements for supporting evidence.

Any advice? Thankyou!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A British national seeks advice on applying for a work visa in Thailand while having funds locked in a Cash ISA. They plan to pursue sponsorship as an alternative. Community members share various strategies, discussing the necessity of demonstrating accessible funds for potential emergencies, the role of sponsors and whether a boyfriend qualifies, and practical tips on managing funds within ISA constraints to meet visa requirements.

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Anonymous ******************

Since I read you have a Stocks and Shares ISA here is what I would do.

Sell all your shares which has no tax implications for you with it being an ISA

I would then transfer the funds to your bank account and then generate a statement for your application and wait till it's approved ( London Embassy doesn't need it sat there for long )

Once you have confirmation transfer the money back into the ISA and buy back into your shares.

** if your ISA account restricts you redepositing due to maxing your 20k for the year, transfer it to one which doesn't. For example trading212 allows you to withdraw and redeposit with no issue.

a year ago

James ******

The London embassy told me they would deny my cash ISA. But they only need proof of the money in your account at the time you apply. So you could potentially borrow money for this, that’s what I did.

a year ago

Henrik *****

The purpose of the 500.000 is, that they should be readily avaiable, in case you need to instantly pay ie. a hospital bill after an accident.

So if you can’t do that, you may be asked for more / other documentation, or be rejected, which means your 10.000 Baht visafee is lost.

a year ago

Jessica ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Henrik ****

yes I fully understand. I am more looking for information on the sponsorship process from my parents. 😊 thanks for your advice!!

a year ago

Reply to

Jessica ********

Kevin ********

Isn’t an ISA considered a bank account?

a year ago

John **********

@Kevin *******

think it depends on whether the money is instantly accessible for cash accounts. I don't think a shares is would be accepted

a year ago

Jessica ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

it’s a stocks and shares ISA so don’t think it is accepted. I have always put all my savings in a fixed rate account but obviously now it has backfired a little!

a year ago

Reply to

Jessica ********

Elías ********

I don't know if a boyfriend is allowed to be the sponsor. So far I've seen sponsors being only family members or the company you work for.

a year ago

Jessica ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Elías *******

sponsor will be parents :) but I thought it might help him also working here

a year ago

Reply to

Jessica ********

Ibrahim ******

I applied down the savings route, joined PDFs together and added a note saying I keep my funds separate to my current account. Worked.

Worth reaching out to the UK Thai embassy 1st, I only say that as I applied from Spain, even though I am UK citizen.

a year ago

Jessica ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ibrahim *****

great advice thank you!

a year ago

Reply to

Jessica ********

Can a Money Box Lifetime ISA be used to meet the 500K financial requirement for a visa in Thailand?

3 comments

a year ago

How can I provide proof of funds and an entry ticket for my Thai visa application given my unique banking situation?