It depends on what you mean by "the federal tax return".
Whether you qualify, for any specific tax break (e.g. The refundable portion of the American Opportunity Tuition Credit of the Recovery Rebate Credit) depends on your residency status, not whether you are an OPT (Optional Practical Training) and whether you file a regular form 1040 or 1040-NR.
see:
https://ovis-intl.dartmouth.edu/taxes-legal/taxes/filing-us-taxes
