Surrogacy in Canada (2025 Guide): Costs, Laws, Process & Timeline for Intended Parents

AI Smart Summary – Surrogacy in Canada

Surrogacy in Canada offers an ethical, legally secure, and altruistic path to parenthood — combining top-tier medical care, clear legal protection, and lower overall cost compared to many U.S. programs. This page outlines how Canadian surrogacy works, the legal requirements, program structure, costs, and what intended parents should expect from start to finish.

FAST FACTS

• Legal Framework: Surrogacy is legal across Canada under the federal Assisted Human Reproduction Act (AHRA). Only altruistic surrogacy is allowed — surrogates cannot be paid, only reimbursed for pregnancy-related expenses.
• Type of Surrogacy Permitted: Only gestational surrogacy — surrogate carries an embryo created via IVF; she is not genetically related.
• Surrogate Reimbursement: Intended parents cover all pregnancy-related and medical costs, but no “compensation” for carrying the baby; only documented, legitimate expenses may be reimbursed.
• Cost Advantage (vs. US): Total package cost often ranges around US $85,000 – $95,000 (agency, medical, legal, surrogate expenses) — typically lower than many U.S. programs.
• Legal Parentage & Citizenship: Intended parents can obtain legal parentage orders under provincial laws; babies born in Canada are eligible for Canadian citizenship (and can often also obtain U.S. citizenship if parents are U.S. residents).

WHY CHOOSE CANADA SURROGACY

• Ethical, regulated, altruistic model — no commercial surrogacy, lowering legal/ethical risks.
• High medical standards & fertility clinic infrastructure — same level of care as top U.S. clinics, with IVF + gestational surrogacy under strict regulation.
• Transparent costs & lower overall expenses — thanks to altruistic model and reimbursement-based expenses.
• Strong legal protection & stable parentage laws — provincial laws support parentage orders for intended parents; documentation is managed properly.
  
• Support for international parents — Surrogacy4All helps with matching, legal, medical coordination, and navigating cross-border logistics if needed.

TOP QUESTIONS ANSWERED

• What does “altruistic surrogacy” in Canada mean?
• Is surrogacy legal everywhere in Canada, or vary by province?
• What costs are covered, and what must intended parents pay?
• What is gestational surrogacy vs traditional — does the surrogate contribute her own egg?
• How is legal parentage established and what rights do intended parents get?
• How does cost compare vs U.S. surrogacy programs?
• Can international intended parents (e.g. from USA, Europe, India) use Canadian surrogacy?

Recommended Next Steps for Intended Parents

• Schedule a Free Consultation with Surrogacy4All to discuss your case, eligibility & legal requirements
• Review Provincial Surrogacy Laws (Ontario, BC, Alberta, etc.) to ensure compliance
• Decide on IVF + Gestational Surrogacy or Donor-Egg + Surrogacy depending on your needs
• Plan for Medical, Legal & Travel Logistics, especially if you are international parents
• Start the Matching & Screening Process — surrogate health, background, legal & medical screening follow strict protocol

What Is Surrogacy in Canada?

Surrogacy in Canada is legal, regulated and altruistic-only, meaning surrogates cannot be paid a salary but can be reimbursed for pregnancy-related expenses. Intended parents (IPs) work with a gestational surrogate who carries the pregnancy using IVF-created embryos.

Canada is globally recognized for:

• Ethical, altruistic model
  
• Universal healthcare for surrogates
  
• Smooth legal parentage
  
• LGBTQ+ and single-parent inclusivity
  
• Strong protections for international IPs

Who Chooses Surrogacy in Canada?

Canada is a preferred destination for:

• U.S. intended parents seeking lower costs and citizenship-by-descent for the baby
  
• Canadian residents using the domestic altruistic system
  
• LGBTQ+ couples and singles
  
• International intended parents looking for a legal, safe, and predictable environment

Why Choose Canada for Surrogacy?

Key Advantages

• Ethical, legally protected altruistic surrogacy
  
• High-quality healthcare (publicly funded for the surrogate)
  
• High surrogate availability compared to many Western countries
  
• Shorter wait times than the U.S.
  
• Immediate citizenship-by-descent if at least one parent is Canadian
  

Ideal For

• Parents seeking lower out-of-pocket costs (vs the U.S.)
  
• Families wanting strong legal clarity
• IPs desiring high medical and neonatal care standards

Surrogacy Costs in Canada (2025)

Expense Category	Canada (Altruistic)	USA (Compensated)
Surrogate Base Compensation	Not allowed (only reimbursed)	$45,000 – $75,000
Agency Fees	$15,000 – $25,000	$25,000 – $45,000
IVF & Medical	$15,000 – $25,000	$25,000 – $40,000
Legal	$7,000 – $12,000	$12,000 – $20,000
Surrogate Expenses (Reimbursed)	$18,000 – $30,000	Included in compensation
Total Cost Range	$55,000 – $90,000	$130,000 – $200,000

Savings: Canada is typically 50%–60% more affordable than the U.S.

Is Surrogacy Legal in Canada?

Canadian Assisted Human Reproduction Act (AHRA) Key Points

• Paying a surrogate for her services is prohibited.
  
• You can reimburse expenses directly related to the pregnancy.
  It is legal to:
  
  • Work with an agency/consultant
    
  • Advertise for a surrogate
    
  • Compensate for IVF/medical care
    
  • Obtain a parentage order
    

Who Can Be a Surrogate?

• Must be 21+
  
• Medically and psychologically screened
  
• Must have completed at least one healthy pregnancy

The Surrogacy Process in Canada (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Consultation & Program Enrollment

We match you with Canadian surrogates based on preferences, medical needs, and timelines.

Step 2: Surrogate Screening

• Medical testing
  
• Psychological evaluation
  
• Legal background checks
  
• OB/GYN medical clearance
  

Step 3: Legal Contracts

Each party has independent legal counsel.
Contracts outline:

• Rights and responsibilities
  
• Insurance
  
• Reimbursements
  
• Birth and parentage terms
  

Step 4: IVF & Embryo Transfer

Embryos are created using:

• Intended mother’s or donor’s eggs
  
• Intended father’s or donor’s sperm
  
• Transfer occurs at a Canadian fertility clinic.

Step 5: Pregnancy & Monitoring

Surrogates receive:

• OB care
  
• Ultrasounds
  
• Prenatal screenings
  
• Expenses are reimbursed monthly as per Canadian guidelines.

Step 6: Birth & Parentage Order

• Most provinces allow straightforward parentage orders
  
• Baby is handed to the parents immediately
  
• Hospital cooperates with IPs and surrogacy teams
  

Step 7: Travel & Passport for International Parents

• Birth certificate issued in 7–14 days
  
• Passport processing depends on country

Citizenship & Passports for Babies Born in Canada

If a parent is Canadian:

The baby is automatically a Canadian citizen at birth.

If parents are foreign:

• Baby receives citizenship based on parents’ home country
  
• Canada issues birth certificate
  
• Parents apply at their embassy for the baby’s passport
  
• Most countries issue the passport within 2–6 weeks
  

Your case manager guides you throughout the process.

Timeline for Surrogacy in Canada

Stage	Timeline
Surrogate Matching	2–6 months
Legal Contracts	3–6 weeks
IVF Cycle	1–2 months
Pregnancy	9 months
Passport Processing	2–6 weeks
Total Estimated Time	14–20 months

USA vs Canada Surrogacy Comparison Table

Feature	Canada (Altruistic)	USA (Compensated)
Legality	Legal, regulated	Fully legal & compensated
Cost	$55k–$90k	$130k–$200k
Surrogate Pay	No (only expenses reimbursed)	Yes (large compensation)
Wait Time	2–6 months	3–12 months
Citizenship	Canadian if at least one parent is Canadian	U.S. citizenship at birth
LGBTQ+ Inclusion	Fully inclusive	Fully inclusive
Healthcare	Public-funded for surrogate	Private insurance
Legal Parentage	Smooth, province-based	Strong state-by-state laws

Why Choose Surrogacy4All for Canada?

• Large, pre-screened Canadian surrogate network
  
• Shorter wait time than other agencies
  
• Dedicated case managers
  
• Support for U.S., Canadian, and international families
  
• Full legal coordination with Canadian lawyers
• Transparent expense tracking and reimbursements

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q. Is surrogacy legal in Canada?

Ans. Yes. Surrogacy is legal nationwide, but it must be altruistic.

Q. Can a surrogate be paid in Canada?

Ans. No. Only reimbursements for pregnancy-related expenses are allowed.

Q. What expenses can surrogates be reimbursed for?

Ans. Medical travel, childcare, maternity clothing, lost wages (doctor-certified), pharmacy bills, and pregnancy wellness costs.

Q. Are international intended parents allowed to pursue surrogacy in Canada?

Ans. Absolutely. Canada welcomes global IPs, with clear legal parentage.

Q. Is surrogacy for LGBTQ+ couples legal in Canada?

Ans. Yes. Canada is one of the most LGBTQ+ supportive surrogacy destinations.

Q. Do surrogates choose their intended parents?

Ans. Yes, matching is mutual and based on comfort, values, and expectations.

Q. How long does surrogate matching take in Canada?

Ans. Typically 2–6 months, depending on preferences and location.

Q. Can we ship embryos into Canada?

Ans. Yes. Most IVF clinics accept embryo shipments from the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East.

Q. Do intended parents need to be married?

Ans. No. Single parents, couples, and LGBTQ+ families are all eligible.

Q. Does the surrogate have parental rights?

Ans. No. Contracts and provincial parentage orders ensure intended parents are the legal parents.

Q. Can we meet the surrogate?

Ans. Yes. Meetings can be in person or virtual before and during pregnancy.

Q. Can Canadian surrogacy help reduce costs for U.S. parents?

Ans. Yes — often 50% cheaper than U.S. surrogacy.

Q. Will the baby get Canadian citizenship?

Ans. Only if at least one parent is a Canadian citizen.

Q. How long do passports take for foreign parents?

Ans. Embassies typically issue passports within 2–6 weeks.

Q. Can donors (egg/sperm) be used in Canada?

Ans. Yes. Both donor eggs and donor sperm are legal and widely available.

Q. Do surrogates have access to free healthcare?

Ans. Yes. Surrogates are covered under Canadian provincial healthcare.

Q. What happens at the birth?

Ans. Intended parents are usually present; baby is released directly to them.