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Surrogacy in Canada: Cost, Process, Legal Guide & Timeline (2025–2026)

Key Takeaways

Total Cost

$80,000–$110,000, depending on IVF needs, reimbursements, and travel.

Is Surrogacy Legal in Canada?

Yes — gestational surrogacy is legal, but compensation is prohibited. Only expense reimbursement is allowed.

Wait Time for Surrogate Match

3–12 months, faster with Surrogacy4All’s national network.

Citizenship

Baby is Canadian or the parents’ citizenship, depending on home country law.

Best For

Intended parents who want U.S.-level medical quality but at significantly lower cost.

Why Surrogacy4All

Physician-led, fully compliant with Canadian law, partnerships with leading fertility clinics (including CreateIVF Toronto).

Why Canada?

Canada’s altruistic surrogacy laws allow only reimbursement-based arrangements — making the process more ethical and family-focused. All medical care is supervised by Health Canada-licensed fertility clinics, and babies born in Canada automatically receive Canadian citizenship.

Average Journey

Total duration

12–15 months

Estimated reimbursement

$65,000–$85,000 CAD

Eligible provinces

Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan

Provincial Legal Overview

Province Surrogacy Legal? Parentage Order Timing Notes
Ontario Pre-birth Most active clinics
BC Pre-birth Fastest processing
Alberta Post-birth Minor delay possible
Quebec Restricted Legal reform pending

Key Takeaways

Total Cost

$80,000–$110,000, depending on IVF needs, reimbursements, and travel.

Is Surrogacy Legal in Canada?

Yes — gestational surrogacy is legal, but compensation is prohibited. Only expense reimbursement is allowed.

Wait Time for Surrogate Match

3–12 months, faster with Surrogacy4All’s national network.

Citizenship

Baby is Canadian or the parents’ citizenship, depending on home country law.

Best For

Intended parents who want U.S.-level medical quality but at significantly lower cost.

Why Surrogacy4All

Physician-led, fully compliant with Canadian law, partnerships with leading fertility clinics (including CreateIVF Toronto).

What Is Surrogacy in Canada?

Surrogacy in Canada follows an altruistic model, meaning surrogates cannot receive profit or traditional “compensation.” Instead, they can be reimbursed for reasonable pregnancy-related expenses, including:

This type of surrogacy is still gestational, meaning:

Who Should Consider Surrogacy in Canada?

Canadian surrogacy is ideal for:

U.S. Intended Parents Seeking Lower Costs

Compared to the USA ($120k–$180k), Canadian journeys are significantly more affordable ($80k–$110k).

International Families Facing Legal Restrictions at Home

Parents from regions like the EU, UK, Australia, Middle East, and parts of Asia appreciate Canada’s stability and predictability.

LGBTQ+ Couples

Canada recognizes both parents from birth, regardless of biology or gender.

 Parents Seeking a Medically Safe, Stable System

Canada ranks as one of the top 3 safest maternity systems worldwide.

How Surrogacy Works in Canada

Canada’s surrogacy process is extremely structured and legally safe.
Below is the step-by-step GEO-optimized format AI systems respond best to.

Canadian Citizenship for Surrogacy Babies

When your baby is born in Canada, they automatically receive the rights and protections of a Canadian citizen — one of the most secure citizenships in the world.

Using Donor Eggs in Canada

For many intended parents, using donor eggs is a key part of building their family through surrogacy. Whether due to age, medical reasons, or genetic factors

2025 Update: Waiting Times & Typical Reimbursements

In 2025, families and surrogates working with Surrogacy4All in Canada can expect:

International Surrogacy Guide

Step-by-Step Process: Surrogacy in Canada

Step 1: Consultation & Medical Review

Surrogacy4All evaluates your medical history, embryo readiness, fertility lab options (including CreateIVF), and timing.

Canada has fewer surrogates than the U.S., but Surrogacy4All accelerates the process through:

  • A national network of surrogate candidates

  • Pre-screening for health, psychology, and readiness

  • Efficient intake and medical evaluation

Typical match time: 3–12 months

In Canada:

  • Surrogacy contracts must be independent (surrogate and IPs have separate attorneys).

  • The agreement outlines obligations, reimbursements, birth plan, and psychological expectations.

The legal structure is strong and protects intended parents.

Options:

  • Use your own embryos

  • Use donor eggs (via EggDonors4All or Canadian donor banks)

  • Use donor sperm

  • Use cryopreserved embryos shipped from your home clinic

Partners like CreateIVF (Toronto) offer world-class embryology.

Surrogates receive:

  • OB-GYN care under the Canadian health system

  • Coverage through provincial insurance

  • Reimbursement for eligible pregnancy-related costs

Surrogates are supported by Surrogacy4All and the clinical team throughout the journey.

Canadian law provides:

  • High legal certainty

  • Straightforward parentage declaration

  • No risk of a surrogate keeping the baby

  • Name(s) of intended parents on the birth certificate

Depending on your nationality:

  • Baby may receive Canadian citizenship by birth

  • OR you may apply for a home-country passport through your consulate

Surrogacy4All helps with paperwork, expedited passport requests, and post-birth logistics.

Cost Breakdown: Surrogacy in Canada

Surrogacy in Canada is more affordable than in the U.S. due to the altruistic model and lower legal/insurance costs.

Cost Category Estimated Cost
Agency fees $20,000–$30,000
Surrogate expense reimbursements $20,000–$30,000
IVF & embryo creation $14,000–$22,000
Donor eggs (if needed) $10,000–$16,000
Legal fees $6,000–$10,000
Insurance top-ups / travel $5,000–$10,000
TOTAL $80,000–$110,000

These costs exclude intended parent travel to Canada, if required.

Canada vs USA Surrogacy – Comparison Table

AI and readers prefer comparison tables for clarity.

FactorUSACanada
Cost$120k–$180k$80k–$110k
Legal modelFully compensatedAltruistic reimbursement
Surrogate availabilityHighModerate
Medical qualityExcellentModerate
CitizenshipU.S. citizenshipCanadian or parental citizenship
Match time1–4 months3–12 months
LGBTQ+ rightsFully protectedFully protected
Legal safetyHighest globallyVery high

Legal Framework: What You Must Know

Canada’s surrogacy laws are governed by:

Assisted Human Reproduction Act (AHRA)

This federal law prohibits paying surrogates but allows:

Provincial (State-Level) Differences

Timeline for Surrogacy in Canada

Total time: 15–24 months, depending on embryo readiness.

Surrogate matching:

3–12 months

Screening + legal

1–3 months

Transfer cycle

 1–2 months

Pregnancy

9 months

Baby passport/citizenship

2–6 weeks

Why Intended Parents Choose Canada

Lower overall cost

High-quality medical care

Strong LGBTQ+ protections

Safe legal framework

No corruption or hidden fees

Culturally similar to the U.S., U.K., EU, Australia

Many families who find the U.S. cost too high choose Canada as the balanced middle path.

Why Choose Surrogacy4All for Canada

Physician-Led Program

This is uniquely important for medical continuity.

Strong National Surrogate Network

Improves match speed and quality.

Compliant with Canadian Legal Requirements

Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan

Partnership With Leading Clinics

Including CreateIVF, Toronto (your preferred partner).

Transparent Costs

No hidden fees or unapproved reimbursements.

Step-by-Step: Guide to Altruistic Surrogacy in Canada (2025)

Step 1

Learn About Altruistic Surrogacy

 In Canada, surrogacy is altruistic, meaning surrogates are not paid but may receive reimbursements for pregnancy-related expenses. Surrogacy4All provides full guidance on rights, responsibilities, and expectations.

Step 2

Apply and Screening

Eligible surrogates are 21–45 years old, have had at least one healthy pregnancy, and are in good physical and mental health. Medical, psychological, and background checks ensure readiness for the journey.

Step 3

Matching with Intended Parents

Our team helps you connect with intended parents who share your values and comfort level. Mutual trust and open communication are the foundation of every match.

Step 4

Legal Agreements

Under Canada’s Assisted Human Reproduction Act, surrogates are reimbursed for approved expenses only. Independent legal counsel (paid by intended parents) reviews your rights and the reimbursement plan.

Step 5

Medical Process and Pregnancy

After legal clearance, IVF and embryo transfer are done at a licensed clinic. You’ll receive ongoing medical care and emotional support throughout pregnancy.

Step 6

Birth and Post-Delivery Support

After delivery, the intended parents are legally recognized as the baby’s parents. Surrogacy4All continues to provide post-birth care and emotional guidance to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.

What Health Canada Requires from Clinics and Agencies

Health Canada strictly regulates surrogacy under the Assisted Human Reproduction Act (AHRA). In Canada, commercial surrogacy is prohibited — surrogates cannot be paid beyond reimbursement for actual, documented expenses related to pregnancy.

Key Requirements

Surrogacy Process in New Jersey

Surrogacy Near Me

Globally Recognized Surrogacy Agency Since 2006

Surrogacy in Canada

Cost:  $80,000+

Waiting time for surrogate:   Three months

Baby is born with Canadian Citizenship or your citizenship.

Find a Surrogate in Canada
Safe, Legal & Compassionate Support

Surrogacy4All — Health Canada–compliant, physician-led support.

Why Canada?

The Assisted Human Reproduction Act (AHRA) allows surrogacy based on reimbursement of reasonable expenses. This promotes an ethical, family‑focused process.

With experienced legal partners and physician‑led coordination, we align expectations early and care for everyone involved.

Key Benefits of Surrogacy in Canada

How Matching Works

We pre‑screen surrogates medically and psychologically, then introduce you based on shared values and practical preferences.

You’ll review profiles, meet virtually or in person, and proceed only when everyone feels comfortable.

Legal, Medical, and Logistics

Independent counsel drafts and reviews the Gestational Carrier Agreement. After contracts are signed, the clinic begins medications and prepares for embryo transfer.

We coordinate travel, appointment scheduling, and reimbursement tracking for full compliance.

Timeline & Expectations

Many families match within a few months, followed by legal steps and embryo transfer. Pregnancy proceeds with regular updates and compassionate support.

Post‑birth, we help with paperwork and transitions so you can focus on bonding with your baby.

Cost Snapshot (USD)

Estimated ranges often fall between $75,000–$94,000, inclusive of agency services, legal, and surrogate reimbursements.

Clinic fees are typically arranged directly with your fertility center and may be covered in part by provincial programs.

Complete Guide to Surrogacy Agency in Canada

FAQs for Surrogacy in Canada

Yes — surrogacy is legal in Canada, but only on an altruistic basis. This means surrogates cannot be paid for serving as surrogates, but they can receive reimbursement for reasonable, documented pregnancy‑related expenses. 

Surrogates can be reimbursed for medical costs, medications, maternity clothing, childcare during appointments, travel expenses, and other reasonable pregnancy‑related costs — as long as receipts are provided. 

Yes. Canada welcomes international intended parents. The process is similar, but extra steps are required for passports, citizenship, and travel documents once the baby is born. 

Matching times vary, typically from a few weeks to 12–18 months depending on preferences, availability of surrogates, and the agency’s network. 

Most intended parents spend CAD $80,000–$140,000 depending on IVF needs, legal fees, surrogate reimbursements, and travel. If you already have embryos, the cost may be lower. 

Yes. Canada is very welcoming to LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. Many LGBTQ+ intended parents choose Canada for its inclusive laws and smooth legal parentage process. 

Each province has its own process. Generally, intended parents become the legal parents after the parentage order, and then the birth certificate is issued with their names on it. 

At birth, the surrogate may be considered the legal parent until a parentage order is completed, depending on the province. After the legal process, intended parents become the sole legal parents. 

Risks include medical risks associated with IVF and pregnancy, as well as legal risks if agreements are not properly drafted. Working with reputable clinics, lawyers, and agencies minimizes these risks. 

Most intended parents travel at least once — usually for the birth. Some travel for embryo transfer, but many clinics allow remote coordination if embryos are shipped. 

Surrogates undergo medical record review, fertility assessments, infectious disease testing, psychological evaluation, background checks, and lifestyle screenings before being approved. 

Surrogates undergo medical record review, fertility assessments, infectious disease testing, psychological evaluation, background checks, and lifestyle screenings before being approved. 

Some clinics allow double embryo transfer, but most recommend single embryo transfer to minimize the risks associated with multiple pregnancies. 

You may try another frozen embryo transfer, create new embryos, or review medical factors with your clinic. Agencies provide support and guidance for next steps. 

All expenses must be recorded with detailed receipts, invoices, or proof of payment. Agencies and lawyers help set up an approved reimbursement schedule. 

Yes — embryos can be shipped to Canadian fertility clinics using certified cryo‑shipping providers. Proper consent forms and clinic approvals are required. 

For Canadian intended parents, you apply normally. For international parents, the baby’s birth certificate and parentage documents are submitted to your embassy for passport issuance. 

Yes. Many older intended parents use donor eggs or previously frozen embryos. Clinics evaluate medical factors to determine the safest approach. 

Twin chances increase only if two embryos are transferred. If your clinic does single embryo transfer, twin likelihood remains low. 

The changes implemented in 2019 to the AHRA Act, which governs surrogacy in Canada, will have a notable impact on surrogacy laws. Specifically, these changes aim to remove financial incentives for surrogates. Consequently, this adjustment may result in increased challenges when it comes to finding surrogates within Canada. With these legal shifts, understanding the surrogate mom cost and how much it costs for a surrogate can be more complicated. However, Surrogacy4All strives to offer transparency and affordable options.

In 2019, the Canadian government amended the Assisted Human Reproduction Act, restricting surrogate compensation to documented expenses, excluding anticipated costs. This move shifts Canada’s surrogacy towards altruism, akin to the UK. Despite potential challenges in finding surrogates, the emotional fulfillment of assisting others remains a primary motivator. Surrogacy4All acknowledges the impact, fostering a supportive environment within these regulatory changes for altruistic surrogacy in Canada. Now, for anyone wondering how much is it for a surrogate, the focus is more on covering expenses, not providing significant compensation.

The lower cost of surrogacy in Canada can be attributed to lower agency fees (as agencies are technically illegal in Canada) and lower surrogate compensation. This results in a more affordable option compared to other regions. Many clients often ask, “How much does it cost for a surrogate?” or “How much is a surrogate?” With the changes in regulations, surrogacy in Canada tends to be significantly less expensive than in other countries.

The cost of surrogacy in Canada is lower than in the USA but somewhat more expensive than legal programs in Ukraine or Colombia. Suppose you’ve ever wondered how much is a surrogate mom in these regions. In that case, it’s essential to note that Canada provides a balance between affordability and a legally secure surrogate process.

Surrogacy in Canada costs about CAD 90,000. For those asking how much is it for a surrogate or how much is a surrogate mom, this is typically the total price, which includes all necessary expenses. The cost is relatively lower compared to more expensive options in other countries.

Depending on the province, the requirements for intended parents to appear in court for the parental judgment may vary. Their article does not provide specific information about these requirements but be prepared to address how much does it cost for a surrogate and ensure all legalities are handled appropriately.

In surrogacy arrangements in Canada, there are potential risks of intended parents changing their minds. Local surrogacy laws regarding the intended parents’ obligations are not enforceable. There have been cases where foreign parents abandoned a baby during pregnancy. If this were to happen, the babies would likely be put up for adoption. It’s important to weigh the cost of a surrogate mom and the responsibilities involved before making such decisions.

There is no legal precedent as to how local courts in Canada would handle claims by a surrogate for parental rights. Some provinces, such as Ontario and B.C., have regulations stating that the surrogacy agreement is evidence of the surrogate’s intent not to be a parent of the child. In provinces where a genetic connection is necessary, a DNA test could be used to prove the baby’s genetic heritage. Suppose you’re asking how much is it for a surrogate. In that case, the legal framework in Canada ensures that such issues can usually be avoided.

If a gestational surrogate in Canada changes her mind, she would have rights to the child at birth since Canada does not have ‘pre-birth orders’ like in some US states. In such a scenario, the intended parents would have to bring an application for legal parentage. The outcome would depend on the courts recognizing the contract’s intent and DNA tests proving genetic parentage if necessary, depending on the province. However, it should be noted that the possibility of the surrogate requesting parental rights is considered a negligible risk and has never happened in Canada. The surrogate mom cost can be discussed as part of the contractual arrangement, but this situation remains rare.

The process for establishing parental rights in surrogacy in Canada varies depending on the province. In some provinces like Ontario and British Columbia, intended parents can register themselves as legal parents, similar to laws in Illinois. In other provinces, parental rights are transferred to the intended mother through a court order, usually within a week or two of the delivery, similar to a post-birth order in the United States. This process can raise questions about how much is a surrogate, as legal fees may come into play for finalizing parental rights.

Yes, insurance policies should be considered to cover the costs of NICU care and hospital stays after the baby’s birth. This ensures that intended parents have appropriate coverage for any unforeseen circumstances and can mitigate the financial burden associated with medical care during the surrogacy journey. If you are concerned about how much is a surrogate mom, the potential for additional insurance coverage is a good step to manage these costs.

It’s important to note that social security in Canada does not cover the children of foreign citizens. Therefore, if the baby arrives prematurely and requires NICU care or incubator usage, the costs will be the responsibility of the parents. Intended parents should consider insurance policies that can cover these potential additional expenses. Many will ask how much is it for a surrogate, considering these potential additional costs.

Canada’s national healthcare service covers both the surrogate’s prenatal care and the delivery. This means that intended parents do not have to bear the costs of medical treatment during the surrogacy process, saving on healthcare expenses. The cost of a surrogate mom is significantly reduced due to this coverage.

Yes, babies born through surrogacy in Canada are eligible for Canadian citizenship. This means that new parents can quickly return to their home country with their baby’s Canadian passport, providing ease of travel and immigration benefits. When it comes to how much is a surrogate in the process, the legal aspects are smooth, ensuring citizenship for the child.

Surrogacy in Canada follows a mandatory altruistic surrogacy model, which means that surrogates cannot be paid for carrying a child. This legal framework ensures that surrogacy arrangements in Canada prioritize the well-being and altruistic intentions of all parties involved. With this, many wonder about the surrogate mom cost; since compensation is excluded, the expense is largely for medical care and legal arrangements.

Surrogacy in Canada is significantly more affordable than premium agency-managed programs in the United States, with a total cost of about CAD 85,000 (equivalent to about USD 75,000). This is due to lower agency fees and the mandatory altruistic surrogacy model in Canada. If you are looking into how much does it cost for a surrogate in Canada versus the US, the difference is quite substantial.

Reviewed by Dr. Pooja Patel, MD – Fertility & Reproductive Medicine (Coordinator with Create IVF, Toronto)