This falls under "Adjustment of Status From Work, Student, and Tourist Visas" forum area. That's where this thread is currently shown. There is no specific area for ESTA.
Keep in mind:
1. A person cannot enter the US as a visitor with the intent to adjust status. That is fraud.
2. Your spouse will not be able to work or leave the US for, possibly, 6 months or more.
This is a common situation. Step 1 is to marry.
@clemente can probably give you some good info. He recently navigated the CFO issue better than anyone I have seen. @Edward and Jaycel is also an expert.
An attorney will not guarantee no mistakes. Our attorney made a mistake and cost us an extra 12 weeks..........Even with an attorney, YOU will do all the legwork.
More time for what? Don't you have to prove non-immigrant intent for an F1? I think that is still the case right now. A dual intent employment visa seems more logical to me.
This administration is not playing with loose rules any more.
This is not a good time to be out of status for ANY reason. A deportation can mean a very difficult path back to the US. This is well outside the scope of a DIY site.
Exact date are extremely important.....Is your timeline correct? If so, you are cutting it extremely close. The earliest USCIS can receive it is 9/14/2025. I would not send the package until after the 15th. Good luck on the rest of your journey.