With flexible Form I-9 coming to an end at the end of next month, RemoteWorker.jobs CEO Joseph Boll recently voiced concern about what that could mean for remote businesses and their employees. But as remote workers themselves express optimism about the matter, Boll says he’s relieved.

“It seems like remote workers are staying adaptable and flexible in the face of this change,” Boll says. “That’s a good sign for the future longevity of remote work, which seems well on track to continue for the foreseeable future despite hiccups like this or the attempts of some companies to go back to the old way of working.”

RemoteWorker.jobs is an online jobs board and resource website for remote workers, remote work jobseekers, and hiring managers, employers and HR personnel seeking to recruit and hire the top talent for remote positions.

In light of the upcoming end of remote employee verification, RemoteWorker.jobs asked people who work fully remotely what they have to say about it. Most, Boll was pleased to note, are optimistic that it won’t have too much of an impact, especially if the Department of Homeland Security decides to allow for alternative options for virtual Form I-9 completion.

David Walter, a remote worker who also happens to be the CEO of Electrician Mentor, told RemoteWorker.jobs that either way, it’s no sweat to him. “I knew that some changes were coming with the I-9 Form this year, but I wasn't sure exactly what all that entailed. I recently researched it in depth, and as far as I know, I'm good. I know that documents that could previously be inspected virtually now have to be done in person, and I can get that covered.”

Walter said that if anything has him concerned, it’s making sure the employer gets it right. A fellow remote worker, who chose to remain anonymous, likewise said they’re leaving the matter up to HR to sort out and just focusing on diligently complying as best they can.

Some of the remote workers we spoke with mentioned that if there is any concern about Form I-9 reverting to the pre-pandemic process, job security would be it. But even still, most felt this is an area that can be easily addressed.

Robert Andrew, of Reload UX, said, “As an employee working for a fully remote US company, I do have concerns regarding the Form I-9 changes. While I am not overly worried about my job security at the moment, there is a slight concern that these changes could potentially affect it. Since compliance with immigration laws is crucial for companies, any lapses or inconsistencies in the new Form I-9 process could have unintended consequences. However, I trust that my remote company will handle the transition efficiently and ensure the necessary measures are in place to protect both employees and the organization.”

Boll says, “Some of the business owners we spoke with are already looking at options like third-party authorizations or other ways to make things easier for their remote workers. While there are some concerns, it seems as though forward-thinking businesses are already gearing up to make sure this doesn’t impact their team and savvy remote workers are following that lead.”

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About Remote Worker (US)
Remote Worker is designed to help hiring managers and businesses connect with job-seeking professionals for remote work positions. We are affiliated with Remote Worker (UK), ClickJobs.io, EcoCareers.org and Caribbean Employment Services Inc. For more information, visit https://www.remoteworker.jobs or contact [email protected].