If your company is hiring a non-local professional in Hong Kong, or you are a foreign professional applying to work in Hong Kong, you will almost certainly encounter Form ID990A and Form ID990B.
These two forms work together as part of the employment visa application process administered by the Immigration Department.
This article explains:
- Practical tips to improve approval success
- What ID990A and ID990B are
- Who fills in each form
- When they are required
- What information is requested
- Common mistakes to avoid
Table of Contents
What Are ID990A and ID990B?
In simple terms:
- ID990A = Employer’s (Sponsor’s) Form
- ID990B = Applicant’s Form
They are used together for employment visa applications under schemes such as:
- General Employment Policy (GEP)
- Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP)
- Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS)
When applying under these schemes, the Immigration Department evaluates both the employer and the applicant. That’s why two separate forms are required.
ID990A: The Employer’s (Sponsor’s) Form
Who Completes ID990A?
ID990A is completed and signed by the sponsoring company in Hong Kong.
An authorised representative (usually a director or HR manager) signs the declaration.
What Is the Purpose of ID990A?
The Immigration Department uses ID990A to assess:
- Whether the company is genuine and operational
- Whether the company has financial capacity
- Whether the job position is legitimate
- Whether hiring a non-local candidate is justified
What Information Does ID990A Require?
1. Company Background
- Business Registration number
- Company address
- Nature of business
- Date of establishment
- Number of local and non-local staff
2. Financial Information
- Annual turnover
- Net profit or loss
- Paid-up capital
- Supporting financial documents
Immigration wants to confirm that the employer can genuinely sustain the position.
3. Details of the Post
- Job title
- Monthly salary
- Benefits (housing, bonus, medical, etc.)
- Detailed job duties
- Required qualifications and experience
The salary must be at market level for similar roles in Hong Kong.
4. Justification for Hiring a Non-Local
This section is critical.
The employer must explain:
- Why the role is necessary
- Why the applicant is suitable
- Why the position cannot be easily filled by a local candidate
This is not about saying “we couldn’t find anyone.” It is about demonstrating specialised skills, regional expertise, technical knowledge, or experience that adds value to Hong Kong.
ID990B: The Applicant’s Form
Who Completes ID990B?
ID990B is completed by the visa applicant (the employee).
What Is the Purpose of ID990B?
The Immigration Department uses ID990B to assess:
- The applicant’s qualifications
- Employment history
- Professional background
- Immigration declarations
- Criminal record disclosures
What Information Does ID990B Require?
1. Personal Details
- Full name
- Passport information
- Residential address
- Marital status
2. Academic Qualifications
- Degrees and certificates
- Institutions attended
- Dates of study
Supporting documents such as transcripts and certificates are typically required.
3. Employment History
- Previous employers
- Positions held
- Duration of employment
- Detailed job descriptions
Immigration assesses whether the applicant’s experience matches the proposed role.
4. Declaration
The applicant confirms that all information is accurate and complete.
How ID990A and ID990B Work Together
Immigration evaluates the application as a whole:
| Employer (ID990A) | Applicant (ID990B) |
|---|---|
| Is the company genuine? | Is the candidate qualified? |
| Is the role legitimate? | Does experience match the role? |
| Is salary at market level? | Is background credible? |
| Is there justification to hire a non-local? | Is the individual suitable for entry? |
Approval depends on both sides meeting the criteria.
Supporting Documents Required
Typically, submissions include:
From Employer:
- Business Registration Certificate
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Financial statements
- Organisation chart
- Employment contract
From Applicant:
- Passport copy
- Academic certificates
- Employment reference letters
- CV
Incomplete documentation is one of the most common causes of delay.
Common Reasons for Delay or Refusal
- Salary below market rate
- Weak justification for hiring a non-local
- Company has minimal revenue but offering high salary
- Applicant’s qualifications do not match job duties
- Inconsistent information between ID990A and ID990B
Consistency between both forms is crucial.
Processing Time
Processing times typically range from:
- 4 to 8 weeks for straightforward cases
- Longer if additional information is requested
Submitting a complete and well-prepared application significantly reduces delays.
Key Takeaways
- ID990A is completed by the employer (sponsor).
- ID990B is completed by the applicant (employee).
- Both forms must be submitted together.
- Immigration evaluates both the company and the individual.
- Clear justification and proper documentation improve approval chances.
Final Thoughts
ID990A and ID990B are not merely administrative forms. Together, they form the foundation of a Hong Kong employment visa application.
A strong application tells a coherent story:
- A genuine company
- A legitimate role
- A qualified professional
- A clear business need
When both forms are prepared carefully and consistently, the approval process becomes far smoother
