Documents to carry at port-of-entry for F-1 Student Visa Holder

[KaashParinda 7]

Dear all-

I have a cousin who has been fortunate enough to get a three-fourth tuition scholarship at a decent university for undergraduate work in physics for Fall 2025. He got his F-1 visa without having to show (was never asked at the interview) funds or papers for family portion of the costs. When he presents himself at a port of entry, we would like for him to be prepared with all the documents as I understand that the CBP officer has lot of a leeway and can deny him entry if he/she/they are not satisfied.

 

No form I-134 from our end was presented when he applied for the visa;  he applied with just the DS-160 (application for non-immigrant visa), the SEVIS fee receipt, the I-20 and of course his passport.

 

We (citizens, living and working in the US) will be helping the family with the costs (his aunt and uncle). Does he absolutely have to our filled-out form 1-134, which is an official sponsorship document? Will a letter with supporting documents suffice? (bank statements, paystubs showing our monthly income). Or does we have to have in his possession form I-134? Note that he didn't have it during the interview (only pertinent question was what his father does for a living and about physics)

 

Love to hear what you might have to say, and many thanks in advance for any personal experiences (the more recent the better) at the entry point if you came in as an F-1 student.

[Boiler 47,456]

I 134 is unenforceable. I 864 is the Sponsorship document but not applicable to non immigrant visas.