I am an F-1 doing an EB2-NIW so I have some background around these topics.
1. The bar is very high. You must show that you have "risen to the top of your field" through very substantive evidence. There is a list of admissible evidence on the USCIS website. An attorney can discuss whether this is worth pursuing from your credentials.
2. The USCIS values citations but it's not everything. In my petition, I relied on reference letters from experts in the field who have cited my work from across the country. Again, an attorney can help with this.
3. You must not have immigration intent at the start of your F-1 period. However, you can change your mind afterwards and you can file an I-140 after 90 days, which is what USCIS considers a "long enough" time period. But in doing so, you have demonstrated your intent to stay and it's highly recommended that you do not leave the country until you get your GC.
1. The bar is very high. You must show that you have "risen to the top of your field" through very substantive evidence. There is a list of admissible evidence on the USCIS website. An attorney can discuss whether this is worth pursuing from your credentials.
2. The USCIS values citations but it's not everything. In my petition, I relied on reference letters from experts in the field who have cited my work from across the country. Again, an attorney can help with this.
3. You must not have immigration intent at the start of your F-1 period. However, you can change your mind afterwards and you can file an I-140 after 90 days, which is what USCIS considers a "long enough" time period. But in doing so, you have demonstrated your intent to stay and it's highly recommended that you do not leave the country until you get your GC.
Good luck!