Health Insurance for OPT & STEM OPT Students

Most international students have the opportunity to work on and off campus while studying in the United States. This can be a great way to gain valuable work experience, supplement your income, and network with other students and colleagues.

However, as an international student, it is critical that you follow the rules associated with your visa. Remember, most international students’ visas are referred to as non-immigrant visas, which means your main purpose in the U.S. is to be a full time student.

If you got an F 1 student visa, you had to show that you were financially able to fund your studies during your visa interview, right? So the U.S. government says most international students should work only part-time.

Since certain visas have various rules and regulations regarding employment, for this article we’ll be focusing on employment for F 1 student visas. We’ll highlight the regulations of on campus employment, curricular practical training (CPT), optional practical training (OPT), and important tips for resumes and cover letters so you can work on getting your first job offer.

F1 International Students and On-Campus Employment

There are various on campus jobs international students can find, such as helping out in the school bookstore, cooking or serving food in a campus cafeteria, working the front desk of your residence hall, etc. Most universities have a website, also called a job board, that lists the many on campus employment opportunities available throughout the academic year and summer months.

First and foremost, before you start looking for on-campus employment, it’s important to ensure you’re eligible. If you’d like to work on campus, schedule a meeting with a university designated school official (DSO) at the international student office.

A DSO will double-check your status and program of study and that you’re active in the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS is an online database that DSOs needs to update so the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can keep track of all international students in the U.S., including F1, J1, and M1 students and their dependents.

If your SEVIS record is active, you can start submitting applications for on campus employment and even start working up to 30 days before your class start. If you get a job offer, congratulations! But before you begin working your on campus job, you’ll first need to get a social security number (SSN).

How to get a social security number (SSN)

A SSN is a nine-digit number assigned to all U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and employed nonimmigrants. A SSN is essential for identification purposes, as well as reporting wages to the government and for some states, getting a drivers license.

When your DSO approves your eligibility to work on campus, they will give you an approval letter. You’ll take that approval letter and the offer letter from your on campus employer and apply for an SSN. You’ll receive your SSN card in the mail and you can begin working.

On Campus Employment: Working 20 hours per week

One of the most important rules international students need to follow working on campus is the 20 hours per week rule. An international student is only allowed to work 20 hours per week!

Working more than 20 hours per week is a violation of your F 1 student status, and DHS could take action against you, such as revoking your student visa and requiring you to leave the U.S.

There are certain exceptions, such as severe economic hardship caused by unforeseen circumstances. For example, perhaps an international organization back home was providing you a scholarship but they’re no longer able to fund it anymore. You’ll need to provide proof of severe economic hardship to your DSO in order to receive permission from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to work more hours.

Additionally, international students can work more hours during holidays and vacation periods if you plan to continue your full time status the following semester.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT): On Campus or Off Campus Employment and Internships

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is for international students who want to work a job or internship that’s directly related to their academic program and it helps fulfill academic credit.

For example, a bachelor’s degree program may require you to complete an internship in your field in order to graduate. These internships, practicums, etc. can be paid or unpaid, on campus or off, but you will need to apply for CPT before starting.

If you want to complete CPT, schedule an appointment with a DSO at your international student office. They will determine your eligibility for CPT by confirming the following:

1. You maintained full time status and good academic standing for at least one academic year (graduate students are exempted if the program requires them to begin CPT immediately)
2. The employment/internship is a mandatory part of your degree program.
3. You already have a job offer.
4. The job offer is directly related to your major or field of study.
5. The job offer or internship is only available before graduation.

Once approved for CPT, you can only work for the approved employer for the established dates. You may be eligible to work more than 20 hours per week depending on the job offer or internship.

While there is no limit to how long you can work on CPT, you need to be careful that it doesn’t interfere with your optional practical training (OPT) eligibility, especially if you want to work in the U.S. after graduation. If you work a total of 365 days on CPT, you will not be eligible for OPT.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F 1 Students

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is for international students seeking employment one year before graduating (pre completion OPT) or after graduation (post completion OPT).

To be eligible for OPT, an international student must work a job that’s directly related to their major. International students must first meet with a DSO and receive approval from USCIS. Once approved, you will receive an employment authorization document, also known as an EAD card. This allows you to work anywhere off campus, as long as the work is related to your academic program.

You don’t need to have job offer in hand when you apply for pre completion OPT or post completion OPT, which can be a good thing because it can take USCIS up to 90 days to process your application. You can’t start work until you have your EAD card, so working with your DSO on the timing of your application is essential so you can receive work authorization in time to begin employment.

International students are eligible for 12 months pre-completion OPT and 12 months of post completion OPT, but for some post completion OPT students, they can apply for an extension.

STEM OPT Extension

For international students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, they can apply to extend their post completion OPT by 24 months.

To be eligible for the STEM OPT extension, an international student:

1. Must have graduated with a STEM degree as defined by USCIS,
2. Are currently employed by an employer using E-Verify,
3. Received an initial approval of post completion OPT and an employment authorization document based on a STEM academic degree.

To understand all the rules and timelines of working in the U.S., if it’s an on campus job, CPT, or OPT, it’s essential that international students familiarize themselves with USCIS resources and meet with a designated school official in order to maintain their legal status.

Resumes and Cover Letters: Quick Tips for International Students

If you’re seeking employment on campus, or your in the process of obtaining work authorization for an off campus job, your resume and cover letter will be essential for no matter what. These two documents are your first impression to potential employers and can make or break your opportunity to land an interview.

Your resume should be tailored specifically to the job you’re applying for and highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Make sure to include your contact information, education, work experience, and any relevant certifications.

In the U.S., do not include a photograph of yourself, your marital status, or gender. In the U.S., there are strict laws to prevent discrimination or bias during the hiring process, so these items are usually encouraged to be left off.

As for your cover letter, this should complement your resume and explain why you are the best candidate for the job. Pick two or three examples from your resume that you can expand on that relates to the job and anything else you would like the potential employer to know.

For both documents, it’s essential they are both free from spelling and grammatical errors. Most universities have a career office that helps students craft resumes and cover letters, so be sure to utilize their services!

International Students Can Work in the U.S. and Gain Valuable Experience

In summary, international students can work in the U.S. and find it to be a rewarding experience. And hey, you may be able to help cover some other costs, like living expenses, tuition, and health insurance. Just be sure you meet with your DSO to understand and follow regulations.

And if it’s before or after graduation, you can count on Lewerglobal for your health insurance needs. We offer F 1 student health insurance plans, as well as plans that cover you during OPT. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team with any questions!

If you are an international student studying in the United States and are nearing graduation, you may be considering Optional Practical Training (OPT) to gain valuable work experience in your field of study. 

OPT allows you to work in the US for up to 12 months after completing your degree, or up to 36 months if you have a qualifying STEM degree. While the OPT program is an exciting opportunity, it is important to understand the requirements and responsibilities that come with it, including the need for health insurance.

In this blog, we’ll explain the basics of what you need to know about OPT, how to apply, and helpful resources. Then, we’ll cover important information about OPT student health insurance and finding the best medical coverage for your needs. 

Key Takeaways: OPT and OPT Student Health Insurance

• OPT allows international students to work in the US after completing their degree.
• Understanding the OPT timeline is essential so you don’t miss USCIS application deadlines. 
• It’s extremely risky to go without health insurance during the time between your graduation and when your OPT begins.
• You can purchase OPT student health insurance and extend coverage depending on your employment situation.
• It is important to research and compare different OPT student health insurance plans to find the best health insurance for your needs.

什么是OPT？

OPT, short for Optional Practical Training, is a program that allows F1 visa holders to work in the US for up to 12 months (36 months for STEM degrees) before or after completing their degree program. During this period, you can gain valuable work experience in your field of study and apply the knowledge you gained in your studies to the real world.

Most international students choose post-completion OPT, which is after graduation. After applying, you’ll receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with a start and end date of legal employability in the US.

OPT student eligibility

To apply for OPT, international students must  graduate from or be attending a SEVP-certified university or college and meet the following criteria:

• Have completed at least one academic year as a full-time student by the OPT start date;
• Maintain F1 visa status during the OPT application process; and
• Have not previously completed OPT at the same degree level.

What is STEM OPT?

International students in a science, technology, engineering, or math degree program can apply for STEM OPT, which extends their employment authorization by an additional 24 months. In total, STEM OPT students can work up to 36 months.

How to apply for Post-Completion OPT

International students can apply for OPT by following these steps:

1. Submit an OPT application to a designated school official (DSO), also known as an international student advisor, for review. Your DSO must recommend you for post-completion OPT and STEM OPT extension.
2. Complete a new Form I-20 as well as a Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization with USCIS) and pay the $410 filing fee. Prepare to wait 90 days for your application to be processed.
3. You will receive a I-797 Receipt Notice around 2-3 weeks after submitting your application. This will have your case number so you can track your application’s progress on the USCIS website.
4. Receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) in the mail.

It’s essential to time your OPT application so you can be eligible to work right after graduation. The earliest you can apply is 90 days before graduation, and the latest you can apply is 60 days after graduation.

Be sure to read more about the OPT timeline in our previous blog post.

What is OPT Student Health Insurance?

OPT student health insurance is specifically designed for international students working in the US while on OPT.

OPT students are in a unique situation because they often are not eligible to keep an insurance plan provided by their university or college. Or perhaps you’re still looking for employment and need health insurance coverage. These are just two reasons why many international students purchase OPT health insurance.

Is OPT student health insurance really that important?

OPT student health insurance is essential for international students. OPT insurance can provide coverage for unexpected medical care, emergency medical evacuation, medicine and treatments for pre-existing conditions, and so much more.

Without OPT health insurance, you may be responsible for paying high out-of-pocket medical costs. Finding an affordable health insurance plan is possible and having such a plan can help you significantly reduce possible financial burdens related to the cost of healthcare while working in the US.

When should I start and stop my OPT health insurance?

To determine when your OPT coverage should begin, you must first determine when your current insurance plan ends and when your OPT begins. You can look at your current student insurance plan or ask an international student advisor for help.

When to purchase OPT health insurance can also depend on when you start your job. Most full-time employees have insurance through their employer. 

As an OPT student, you may be covered by your current student insurance plan for up to  60 days after graduation. If not, you can purchase OPT health insurance to cover this time period.

Once international students have their OPT start date, they have up to 90 total days to find employment. You can purchase or extend your OPT health insurance coverage for the full 90 days.

But say right after graduation you start a new job. Do you still need to purchase medical insurance? It depends on your employer.

Some companies have a waiting period before you can use your employer-provided health insurance plan. Or, after reviewing your employer’s health insurance plans, you may determine they are too expensive. In either scenario, you can choose to purchase or extend your OPT health insurance.

Our team at Lewerglobal recommends buying at least 120 days of OPT health insurance that begins from your graduation date. Unless you start a job the day after graduation and have employer-provided insurance beginning the first day of employment, a 120-day plan can provide medical coverage and peace of mind.

Finding an OPT Medical Insurance Plan

Here are some key questions OPT students should keep in mind when shopping for OPT medical insurance:

• Will I need wellness or preventative screenings?
• Do I have any long-term prescriptions that need to be covered?
• If I get sick, how much do I have to pay until my medical insurance kicks in? (Deductible)
• Will my current doctors be in network?

Lewerglobal OPT Student Health Insurance Plans

Finding affordable medical insurance that meets your needs after graduation should be stress-free. Lewerglobal has comprehensive international student insurance plans built specifically for OPT so you can focus on your career.

Learn more about OPT student health insurance by visiting our website. You can also live chat with us, email [email protected], or call (800) 821-7711. 

学生可以分享的资源

去年给美国带来了一场世界性的大流行病和一系列反移民的法律变化。今年，学生们受到了前所未有的处理延误和更多的法律变化。这就难怪许多国际学生开始怀疑他们在这里的未来了。

但是，在目前在美国的国际学生预订回家的航班之前，学生应该考虑长期的问题。机会仍然在敲门，特别是对于希望在今年春天毕业的学生。工作经验将永远是有价值的，OPT项目仍然向那些希望在美国自信地踏上职业道路的人开放。

什么是OPT？

可选实践培训 (OPT），允许国际学生在他们的研究领域获得在职经验。符合条件的F-1签证学生有资格获得12个月的OPT，他们可以在毕业前或毕业后使用。大多数人将选择毕业后的OPT，并能够提供一份就业授权文件（EAD），显示与他们在主要学习领域的合法就业期相对应的开始和结束日期。然而，在STEM领域获得合格的学士学位（或更高学位）的学生，可以通过 "就业授权文件 "额外延长24个月。 STEM OPT计划.对于这两个项目，国际学生必须从学生和交流访问者计划（SEVP）认证的机构毕业。

在最近几年。 OPT已成为一个更受欢迎的选择比H-1B签证计划更受欢迎。与H-1B签证不同，OPT计划不需要雇主担保，也不对参与者的最大人数设置上限。如需进一步阅读，我们推荐以下内容 常见问题页面来自全国专业毕业生协会。

谁有资格获得OPT？

除了在SEVP认证的机构就读或毕业之外，想要申请OPT的国际学生必须符合以下条件 符合以下标准:

1. 在申请的OPT开始日期之前，他们已经作为全日制学生完成了至少一个学年，并且
2. 他们在申请过程中保持有效的F-1身份，并且
3. 他们以前没有在同一学位水平上完成OPT时间。

对OPT申请者来说，最大的挑战是什么？

今天，申请人面临的最大挑战是他们无法控制的事情：漫长的处理时间。

In January of 2021, USCIS issued an alert indicating the large number of applications received, combined with an overwhelmed postal service and restrictions related to the COVID pandemic, are causing significant delays, especially for F-1 students filing for Employment Authorization.  As of early 2021, students are waiting 4 to 8 weeks for a receipt, and applications are taking anywhere from 3 to 8 months to process.

重要的是要记住，这些处理延迟不会影响收到日期，所有申请的邮戳都是在到达锁箱的当天。锁定箱的处理时间可以在任何时候找到 这个美国移民局的网页.美国移民局建议至少等待8周后再就OPT案件与他们联系。

OPT对国际学生有什么好处？

随着许多国际学生 在Twitter上发表文章来发泄他们的挫折感，其他人可能会质疑OPT项目是否适合他们了。这是心态上的巨大转变，特别是由于2017年的一项调查显示 73%的学生选择在美国学习是因为有机会获得美国的工作经验。

虽然这些延迟可能既紧张又可怕，但仍有很多OPT项目的好处需要记住。

1. 学生可以利用OPT计划来延长他们在美国的逗留时间。
2. 学生可以在他们的研究领域获得有偿（或无偿）的经验。
3. 学生可以与愿意担保工作签证的雇主商谈一份更长期的工作。
4. 参加OPT项目的学生 少交税比持有H-1B签证的学生要少。

国际学生应该何时申请OPT？

时间表 OPT时间轴根据你要申请的延期类型而有所不同。

1. 申请完成前OPT的学生可以在完成整个学年前90天内提出申请，但必须在其指定的学校官员（DSO）将该建议输入其SEVIS记录之后。记住，OPT在完成整个学年后才能开始。
2. 申请完成后OPT的学生可以在完成学位前90天和完成学位后60天内申请，并且必须在DSO将建议输入其SEVIS记录后30天内申请。
3. 申请STEM延期的学生最多可以在其当前OPT项目到期前90天提出申请，并且必须在其DSO将建议输入其SEVIS记录后60天内提出申请。

国际学生可以使用这个 OPT时间轴计算器来计算他们的宽限期和基于他们当前学术项目的建议OPT开始日期。学生也可以使用这个时间线作为视觉参考。

国际学生如何完成他们的OPT申请？

随着国际学生接近2021年春季毕业，现在是与他们的顾问讨论OPT的好时机。如果OPT是正确的选择，DSO将开始申请程序，在I-20表（非移民学生身份资格证明）上签字，并在SEVIS中推荐学生申请OPT。

学生需要完成 I-765表格(向美国移民局申请就业授权)，提供 所需文件，并在其截止日期前支付410美元的申请费。学生可以访问 详细说明在美国移民局的网站上（在 "表格和文件下载 "下），并与他们的顾问联系，提出问题。一旦申请被提交，学生可以使用他们的收据号码在网站上跟踪其进展。 美国移民局案件状态网页使用他们的收据号码。

国际学生在过渡到OPT时如何保持保险？

随着国际学生推进他们的OPT申请，重要的是要谈一谈健康保险。许多学生可能没有意识到，他们的 F-1健康保险当他们作为全日制学生的时间结束时，他们的健康保险将过期。即使他们在毕业后的第二天就开始了他们的OPT，许多公司也执行了一个等待期，新员工在30至90天内仍然没有保险。问题是，学生在这个空档期仍然需要保险和保护。在美国没有保险是非常危险的，可能导致数十万甚至数百万美元的医疗费用。

该解决方案是 OPT健康保险来自Lewerglobal。我们的计划是专门为国际学生建立的，OPT计划是专门针对这一保障空白而建立的。如果你有问题或想更详细地讨论OPT健康保险，你可以通过电子邮件和实时聊天与我们联系，在我们的 网站.

主要收获

虽然法律上的变化和延迟一直在给国际学生制造麻烦，但OPT仍然是一个非常有价值的机会。随着形势的发展，我们希望学生仍然会选择推进OPT，因为他们知道Lewerglobal OPT健康保险为他们提供保障。

本网站提供的信息并不构成，也不打算构成法律意见。本网站提供的所有信息、内容和材料仅用于一般信息目的。本网站上的信息可能不构成最新的法律或其他信息。本网站包含与其他第三方网站的链接。这些链接只是为了方便读者，Lewer公司并不推荐或认可第三方网站的内容。本网站的读者应联系他们的律师，以获得有关任何特定法律问题的建议。任何读者在未征求相关司法管辖区的律师的法律意见之前，不应根据本网站的信息采取行动或不采取行动。使用和访问本网站或本网站包含的任何链接或资源，并不在读者和网站作者、贡献者或委员会成员及其各自雇员之间建立律师-客户关系。

This article is an update to a previously published blog post titled “For Advisors: OPT and Navigating the Student Transition.” Read the original post here.
Processing issues surrounding Optional Practical Training (OPT) persist in the wake of COVID-19 and the end of the last U.S. presidential administration. In response, schools and their international student advisors are working at a frenetic pace to deliver sound advice and help students make the transition from school to the workplace as smooth as possible.
Here are three items that help frame a meaningful OPT gap conversation with your students:

1.了解当前的气候并积极协助学生

In response to the pandemic, international student admissions have declined precipitously. According to the Institute of International Education® (IIE), total enrollment for international students, both in-person and online, decreased by 16 percent in Fall 2020. New international student enrollment was hit even harder with a 43 percent decrease. The silver lining comes in the form of deferrals. Ninety percent of surveyed institutions reported international student deferrals for Fall 2020, accounting for nearly 40,000 students who will hopefully come to study in the U.S. at a later date. With these decreases in admissions, a significant decline in OPT is likely also on the horizon.
However, a natural return to normal enrollment alone may not be enough to bring students back amidst a climate that has been hostile for the past four years. One proactive improvement international offices can make is paying attention to what international students find important. As a highly popular feature of their F-1 visa status, international students understand how a post-completion EAD can help establish their professional careers in the U.S.—or at least gain on-the-job experience before heading home. As of this writing, OPT application numbers are still strong, and requests are continuing to be reviewed, albeit very slowly. COVID-19 restrictions, a significant increase in certain benefit requests, and the utter inundation of the U.S. postal service are causing major delays at USCIS lockboxes. Despite lawsuits challenging these errors, These delays are causing the loss of jobs and job offers and threatening the immigration status for many international students. International students should be advised of these delays entering their final semester so they can prepare for the application costs and documents required to file their application and not wait until final filing deadlines so as to avoid an unfortunate scenario like Berkeley faced.

2.浏览时间线

Lockbox delays have prompted U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to issue flexibilities regarding OPT periods and applications. Specifically:

1. 14个月的OPT完成时限现在将从学生的I-765表批准之日开始，而不是他们的学术课程结束之日。
2. 获得I-765表批准的时间少于最初申请的时间的学生可以要求更正他们的就业授权文件（EAD）。美国公民及移民服务局（USCIS）将签发一个新的EAD，其中包括更正后的日期，以涵盖所申请的全部OPT时间。
3. 重新提交被拒绝的I-765表的截止日期已延长至2021年5月31日，条件是原始申请是在2020年10月1日至2021年5月1日之间收到并因此被拒绝。移民局建议在你的第二次申请中包括一份拒绝通知的副本。
4. 如果锁箱无意中接受了签名缺失或不足的I-765表，将发出 "要求提供证据 "而不是拒绝。

沟通这些变化将有助于学生了解他们在及时提交I-765申请中的作用和责任，从而减少他们毕业日期和开始就业之间的间隔时间。

3.填补缺口

Besides advising on the filing and refiling of OPT applications, it’s important for advisors to remind students of the potential intermission between student and employee that may leave graduated international students without income and health insurance.
When an international student graduates, their eligibility for F-1 health insurance may run out depending on the policy in place at their school. And even if a student files their OPT application on the first possible date with a start date for the Monday following graduation, receives the EAD in time, has a job offer in hand for that following Monday, and their new company offers great health insurance, they may still be without health insurance if their new company has a mandatory waiting period. In the employer world, it is normal for new hires to wait a period of 30 to 90 days after their start date – in such time they are not eligible for the company’s group health insurance coverage. This is why OPT health insurance is vital to your students’ transition plans. OPT health insurance fills this gap, meaning your students are still protected, even if their filing gets delayed at a lockbox. This avoids the very real and painful conversation of a former student begging to “get back on” your health insurance coverage likely due to an emergency already incurred!

主要收获

A lot goes into helping an international student navigate the transition between graduation and a new job. Lewerglobal aids in this transition by offering high-quality health insurance designed specifically for their situation. You can learn more about OPT health insurance at this link or contact us by email or live chat today.

本网站提供的信息并不构成，也不打算构成法律意见。本网站提供的所有信息、内容和材料仅用于一般信息目的。本网站上的信息可能不构成最新的法律或其他信息。本网站包含与其他第三方网站的链接。这些链接只是为了方便读者，Lewer公司并不推荐或认可第三方网站的内容。本网站的读者应联系他们的律师，以获得有关任何特定法律问题的建议。任何读者在未征求相关司法管辖区的律师的法律意见之前，不应根据本网站的信息采取行动或不采取行动。使用和访问本网站或本网站包含的任何链接或资源，并不在读者和网站作者、贡献者或委员会成员及其各自雇员之间建立律师-客户关系。

去年，凯瑟琳在网上与德克萨斯A&M大学的国际学生交谈。他们问的问题都是常见的问题，所以我们把它们放在这里，希望对你的情况有所帮助。我们的第一批问题主要涉及H-1B签证；这批问题涉及F-1签证和可选实践培训（OPT）。

这些答案是关于这些问题的第一句话，而不是最后一句话，如果你有任何问题，请咨询经验丰富、声誉良好的移民律师。 

如果我的F-1身份即将结束，我正在等待改变身份，我是否可以合法地留在美国境内？

如果你在申请改变身份时是有身份的，而且你及时提交了改变身份的申请，那么等待改变身份的时间就是授权居留期。

如果我正在等待改变身份而被拒绝，非法居留从什么时候开始算起？是被拒绝的日期还是以前的身份过期的日期？

这取决于你在申请时持有的身份，你在被拒绝后采取的行动--如重新申请--可能会产生差异。从一个非常保守的角度来看，我会说你的非法居留从你的初始身份过期开始。 然而，你的非法居留只有在你的I-94过期或机构发现你的身份被违反时才开始。 一个在收发室被拒绝的申请，而不是基于案情的申请，与发现违反身份是两回事。

我是一名富布赖特研究生（由美国和我国政府提供财政资助）。如果我在学术界找到一份工作，我有多大可能要求豁免2年的家庭居留规定？

当你拥有富布赖特奖学金时，要获得家庭居住要求的豁免是众所周知的困难。 一个可能成功的途径是找到一个感兴趣的政府机构（IGA）来赞助豁免。 从历史上看，美国国家航空航天局（NASA）、美国食品和药物管理局（FDA）、军队和许多其他机构都会支持这种豁免。 每个机构对他们何时赞助豁免有非常不同的规定。 在学术界的工作不足以获得豁免，但符合IGA范围的拨款/资助/研究可以支持豁免。

I-485申请是否会取消我申请OPT/STEM的资格？

No. However, you cannot travel as an F-1 with an I-485 pending. The timing of the OPT can get tricky, and if you have already received a work card through the I-485, you may run into confusion or push back from USCIS.  If you have used the work card through the I-485, there may be issues about OPT eligibility to look at.  Your best course of action is to get all your paperwork together and discuss with a lawyer.

持有OPT的学生是否可以自行申请绿卡，还是必须持有H-1B才能申请？

你可以在OPT状态下提交一份自我申请。然而，申请永久居留权表明你有移民的意图。如果你正在申请居留，你不应该以OPT或F-1身份旅行。

在我的国家，我是一个少数民族，在我国家的某些地区，像我这样的人根本不受重视。在过去的三年里，我没有回过国。我想知道一个拥有F-1身份的博士毕业生申请永久居留权的可能性有多大。

This is very fact specific. Your chances with a self-petition really depend on your field, and your awards/success/publications/endeavor. Put together a very thorough CV. List every award, grant, accomplishment, invitation, you have ever received, and then meet with a lawyer. Do get opinions from different lawyers about the chances of success. 

有哪些方法可以提高他们在研究领域获得绿卡的机会？在EB1申请中需要注意哪些标准，以便人们在研究事业中追求这一途径？

My general advice is to say “Yes.” Say yes to reviewing, editing, serving on committees, being listed in grants, mentoring, collaborating, etc. Make friends and colleagues across the aisle. By that, I mean try to work with people who aren’t just like you, who aren’t from the same country or school or hyper-specialty. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to people in your field that you admire. Letters of recommendation are a huge part of the immigration self-petition process. Apply for everything. No grant or award is too small. This includes micro private sector grants.