Hi
Just a correction on obtaining an M2 visa for spouses and family. Individual I-20s need to be issued for each and every person.
It is relatively simple to do. When the schools administrator is issuing the main I-20, they just need to continue into the dependents section to issue separate dependent I-20s. You will need to give the full names as in the passports and dates of birth.
Don't believe anyone who tells you otherwise, we believed a person we spoke to over the phone at the embassy and my initial application was rejected.
All the forms from the embassy also need to be filled in for all the applicants. BTW, you should still only need to pay one fee to SEVIS for your I-20 issue. Make sure you take the receipt for payment with you to the embassy.
It all goes really smoothly as long as you have every piece of paper you can possibly be asked for. I have been here with my husband and children for 18 months and we love it.