Robin Catmur-Smith

Managing Director of the International Student Resource Center

Robin Catmur-Smith is Managing Director of the International Student Resource Center at the Talent Mobility Fund, a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting international students and scholars in the U.S. She brings over 30 years of experience in academic immigration services, most recently as Director of Immigration Services at the University of Georgia, where she led a team of nine and oversaw visa advising and sponsorship for thousands of international students, scholars, and faculty. Prior to UGA, she served as Director of the Office of Visa and Immigration Services at Dartmouth College. A recognized leader in the field, Robin has received NAFSA’s National Award of Excellence, has presented, trained, and chaired sessions at national and regional conferences for decades, and has served as a mentor to many colleagues in the field. She has contributed to NAFSA and AILA publications and served on the SHRM Advisory Board for the Council for Global Immigration. She holds an M.A. in Liberal Studies with a focus on Globalization Studies from Dartmouth College and a B.S. in International Development from UC Davis.

Written by

What is a J-1 Short-Term Scholar?

Understand who qualifies for the J-1 Short-Term Scholar category, permitted activities, the 6-month limit, and important program restrictions.
What is the difference between the J-1 Student Intern and Intern/Trainee categories?

Compare the J-1 Student Intern and Intern/Trainee categories, who qualifies for each, and the key differences in eligibility and training.
What are the J-1 health insurance requirements?

Understand the J-1 health insurance requirements, minimum coverage amounts, dependent rules, and how to maintain compliance throughout your program.
What English proficiency is required for a J-1 academic program?

Find out what English proficiency is required for a J-1 program, how sponsors evaluate language skills, and which forms of proof are accepted.
What is the difference between a J-1 Research Scholar and a Professor?

Compare the J-1 Research Scholar and Professor categories, their primary activities, shared rules, and how to choose the right program.
What are the cross-cultural exchange requirements of a J-1 program?

Learn how J-1 cross-cultural exchange works, what sponsors must provide, and how participating helps you maintain a successful exchange program.
What is a J-1 Research Scholar?

Learn who qualifies for the J-1 Research Scholar category, eligible activities, the 5-year limit, and key requirements for participating in the program.
How do I know my official program completion date?

Find your official F-1 or J-1 program completion date, understand which immigration document controls your status, and avoid status problems.
How long can I stay in the U.S. after I finish my program?

Find out how long F-1 and J-1 students can stay in the U.S. after completing their program, what the grace period allows, and key deadlines.
When can I apply for post-completion OPT?

Find out when to apply for post-completion OPT, key filing deadlines, and how applying early can help avoid delays in starting work legally.