Canada Welcomes Families From Around the World
Whether you're in the UK, Australia, the US, or anywhere else surrogacy is complicated at home, Canada offers a clear, ethical, legally sound path to parenthood.
Start with a Free Video ConsultationWhy Canada
What Makes Canada Different
Altruistic Surrogacy
No exploitation concerns. Canadian surrogates are not paid a fee, only reimbursed. This satisfies the ethical requirements most international IPs have.
Clear Legal Framework
The Assisted Human Reproduction Act provides a stable, federal legal foundation. Parentage law is well-established and consistently applied.
English-Speaking
Communication is easy. Legal documents are in English or French. No translation barriers for most international families.
World-Class Fertility Clinics
Canada's fertility clinics operate to internationally recognised standards. Many already work with international patients.
Proximity to the US
For US families, Canada is often just a short drive or flight away, making required travel appointments far less disruptive.
Diverse Surrogate Pool
CSO has surrogates across all provinces. We're not limited to one city or region, which improves match timelines.
Where We Work
Countries We Work With
We work with international families regularly. Here's what families from common countries need to know.
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United States
American IPs can often drive to Canada or take a short flight. Embryo shipping is straightforward across the US–Canada border. US citizens do not need a visa. Confirm your baby's US citizenship through the US consulate.
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United Kingdom
UK IPs are among our most frequent international clients. Surrogacy law in the UK is far more restrictive, which is why many UK families look to Canada. Plan for 2–3 trips: transfer, possibly prenatal visit, and birth. UK passport for baby through consulate.
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Australia
Commercial surrogacy restrictions in Australia drive many Aussie IPs to look internationally. Canadian altruistic surrogacy is fully compliant with Australian legal standards. Plan for significant travel; video consultations handle the bulk of the process.
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Israel
Israeli IPs have specific requirements around genetic connection and legal process. We have experience coordinating with Israeli families and can advise on documentation required by Israeli family courts.
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Western Europe
France, Germany, Spain, and other EU countries where domestic surrogacy is illegal or heavily restricted. Canadian surrogacy is legally clean and internationally recognised. Most European embassies will process citizenship documentation for babies born abroad.
How It Works
The Process for International Families
01
Initial Video Consultation
We meet by video. You tell us your situation. We explain what's realistic for your country, timeline, and budget. No travel required at this stage.
02
Contract & Onboarding
Legal agreements are signed. Your case manager is assigned. We begin the matching process.
03
Embryo Shipping or IVF
If you have frozen embryos, we coordinate shipping to the Canadian clinic. If embryos need to be created, we coordinate with the clinic.
04
Transfer Appointment
You travel to Canada for the embryo transfer. This is typically a 3–5 day trip. Your case manager coordinates everything with the clinic.
05
Pregnancy & Check-Ins
You're home. We manage everything in Canada. Video updates, milestones, regular communication with your surrogate.
06
Birth & Documents
You travel for the birth. We help with the Canadian birth certificate, parentage order, and citizenship documentation for your home country.
Legal Clarity
What the Paperwork Looks Like
Parentage Order
A Canadian court order naming you as the legal parents. Obtained before or after birth depending on province. This is the foundational document.
Canadian Birth Certificate
Your baby is a Canadian citizen by birth. The birth certificate is issued provincially and lists both intended parents as parents.
Citizenship for Your Baby
Your baby's citizenship in your home country is established through your consulate or embassy in Canada. The process varies by country and we'll guide you.
Passport & Travel
You'll need travel documents to bring your baby home. We have experience supporting families through this step and can connect you with specialists.
Practical Details
Planning Your Trips
- →Which Appointments Require Travel?Typically 2–3 trips: embryo transfer (3–5 days), optionally a prenatal visit mid-pregnancy, and the birth (plan for 2–3 weeks to manage post-birth documentation).
- →Where to StayWe recommend short-term rentals over hotels for the birth trip; you'll want a kitchen and laundry. We can suggest options near top clinics in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary.
- →Approximate Travel BudgetMost international families budget $8,000–$15,000 CAD for travel across the full journey, depending on distance and number of trips.
- →Clinic CoordinationWe work with fertility clinics across Canada. We'll match you with a clinic that has international patient experience and is geographically convenient for your surrogate.
For Complex Journeys
Camica Concierge
White-Glove Coordination for International Families
International surrogacy has more moving parts than a domestic journey. Camica Concierge is our premium coordination program designed specifically for families navigating distance, time zones, embryo logistics, and cross-border documentation.
From your first video call to the moment your baby clears customs, Camica handles it. Travel coordination, clinic liaising, consulate documentation support, 24-hour access to your coordinator. You focus on your family. We handle the rest.
Learn About CamicaLet's Start With a Conversation
A free 30-minute video consultation with our team. We'll cover your country's specific considerations, timeline, costs, and next steps.
Book a Free Video Consultation