International Intended Parents & Surrogacy in the U.S.
Clear, legally thoughtful surrogacy journeys for intended parents who live outside the United States, supported by a San Diego-based team with 28 years of continuous agency experience.
In many countries, surrogacy is highly restricted, not legally recognized, or practically unavailable. In the United States—especially in surrogacy-friendly states like California—gestational surrogacy is well-established and carefully managed through experienced medical teams and legal professionals.
Surrogate Alternatives has guided international intended parents since 1998, helping individuals and couples navigate distance, time zones, and documentation with calm, step-by-step support. From your first consultation through matching with a surrogate, everything can be completed remotely through secure video and online tools, so you do not need to travel to begin the process.
Founder-led by former surrogate and five-time egg donor Diana Olmeda since 1998 from San Diego, California, with 28 years of continuous agency experience in 2026.
Why the U.S.
Why Many International Intended Parents Choose the U.S.
For many international intended parents, pursuing surrogacy in the United States offers clearer legal frameworks, experienced medical teams, and agencies familiar with cross-border logistics. This section explains common reasons people explore surrogacy in the U.S.—and specifically in California—without suggesting it is the only or "best" path for everyone.
- Surrogacy is restricted, unrecognized, or unavailable in their home country
- Access to fertility clinics offering treatments or protocols not available locally
- Preference for gestational surrogacy, where the surrogate is not genetically related to the child
- Predictable legal processes in surrogacy-friendly states such as California
- Agencies experienced in working across time zones, languages, and legal systems
If you are asking whether international surrogacy in the U.S. is possible for you, or why so many intended parents choose California, this section provides a high-level overview before you speak with an attorney or clinic.
Decision-framing
For many intended parents, the decision comes down to legal clarity, medical access, and working with an agency experienced in international journeys.
The process
How International Surrogacy Works with SAI
International surrogacy adds layers of travel, language, and legal planning to the process. SAI works alongside your clinic and attorneys in the U.S. and in your home country so you are never left to organize everything on your own across borders and time zones.
A no-obligation video or phone conversation to discuss your goals, timeline, and location. SAI can coordinate with your chosen clinic or connect you with professionals experienced in international cases.
You complete the intended parent application and share information about medical history, clinic plans, and legal considerations. Before matching, the team reviews expected costs, travel needs, and high-level legal steps.
SAI presents profiles of gestational surrogates who meet medical, legal, and geographic requirements. Meetings occur via secure video, and no match moves forward without shared expectations around communication and boundaries.
You do not need to travel to the U.S. to begin the process or meet a potential surrogate, and many families are surprised by how personal this stage feels even when it begins remotely.
Attorneys finalize contracts before embryo transfer. After legal clearance, your clinic manages medical care while SAI coordinates communication, logistics, and ongoing support.
Most international intended parents travel to the U.S. at least twice: once for clinic visits if required, and again for birth and the early newborn period. Attorneys guide parentage and documentation needed for travel home.
Non-U.S. citizen and considering surrogacy?
Ask questions about travel, timing, and legal steps for international intended parents.
Talk with Our TeamStart Intended Parent ApplicationTravel & logistics
Travel, Time Zones & Communication
Living in another country should not mean feeling disconnected from your surrogacy journey.
What most international intended parents can expect
- At least two trips to the United States
- A stay of approximately 3–4 weeks after birth to complete documentation and travel arrangements
- Ongoing communication via secure messaging, email, and video calls
Staying connected from abroad
- Regular check-ins with a dedicated case manager
- Flexible scheduling across time zones using Zoom, WhatsApp, or WeChat
- Support for translation or document clarification through your own advisors
Legal guidance
Legal, Citizenship & Safety: What to Know
International surrogacy involves legal processes in more than one country. SAI does not provide legal advice, but connects families with attorneys experienced in international surrogacy matters.
Topics to discuss with your attorneys
- The U.S. state where delivery will occur and parentage procedures
- Recognition of surrogacy in your home country
- Timing of court orders confirming parental rights
- Considerations based on family structure
Financial planning
Newborn Insurance & Financial Planning
Because a surrogate's insurance does not cover the baby after birth, many international families secure separate newborn insurance. SAI can connect you with brokers experienced in international newborn coverage and NICU planning.
Why SAI
Why International Intended Parents Choose Surrogate Alternatives
International families often seek stability, experience, and a team they can trust from afar.
Founder-Led Since 1998
Founder-led by former surrogate and five-time egg donor Diana Olmeda since 1998 from San Diego, California, with 28 years of continuous agency experience in 2026.
Rigorous Surrogate Screening
Intake evaluations, background checks, psychological assessments, and medical screening through qualified professionals.
Lived Experience & Dedicated Support
The team includes current and former surrogates and a former intended parent.
Coordination with Trusted Professionals
Long-standing relationships with clinics, attorneys, and mental health professionals familiar with international surrogacy.
Get started
When You're Ready to Talk
You do not need to decide on international surrogacy before reaching out. Many families begin with a conversation.
Ready to start
your journey?
Choose the path that fits you best.