Surrogacy for Canadian Parents

Build your family through a legally secure, transparent and fully supported surrogacy journey in the United States.

Why Canadian Families Choose U.S. Surrogacy

In Canada, surrogacy is legal but regulated under the Assisted Human Reproduction Act, which permits only altruistic surrogacy. While intended parents can reimburse a surrogate for documented expenses, paying for services or compensation is prohibited. These restrictions can create delays and uncertainty for families looking to grow.

By contrast, the United States offers a more predictable, legally supported surrogacy experience. For many Canadian families, pursuing surrogacy in the U.S. means access to streamlined legal processes, high-quality medical care and peace of mind.

At Joy of Life, we’re here to help you navigate every step with confidence, from legal coordination to documentation, travel and beyond.

Receive Full-Service Support as Canadian Intended Parents

Cross‑border surrogacy adds layers of legal and logistical considerations that are unique to Canadian families. Joy of Life offers start‑to‑finish guidance specifically for Canadians pursuing surrogacy in the United States.

We help you navigate U.S. parentage orders, prepare documents for use in Canada and support your return home with confidence.

Legal Parentage in the U.S.

We coordinate with U.S. attorneys to obtain a court order that designates you as your child’s legal parent(s) under U.S. law.

Canadian Documentation Preparation

We guide you in gathering and organizing the birth certificate and legal orders so they are ready for submission to Canadian authorities following the birth.

Cross‑Border Document Support

Our team handles apostilles, certified translations and preparation of all records so your U.S. documents meet Canadian requirements.

U.S. Citizenship and Travel Prep

Your baby becomes a U.S. citizen at birth. We assist with passport applications and travel preparation, so your family transition back to Canada is seamless.

Surrogacy Law in Canada: What You Should Know

Canada permits altruistic surrogacy under the Assisted Human Reproduction Act (AHRA), which restricts commercial surrogacy and limits compensation to documented expenses. While this enables some Canadians to pursue surrogacy at home, legal steps and clarity vary by province, leading many to seek a more predictable option in the U.S.

Altruistic surrogacy is the only legal form.

Canadian law prohibits paying a surrogate beyond reasonable, reimbursed expenses. This makes the process more limited and less accessible for many families.

Provincial laws affect legal parentage.

Each province has its own requirements for establishing legal parentage after birth, which can involve post-birth declarations or court orders.

Federal restrictions create documentation hurdles.

Navigating the AHRA’s strict rules, combined with provincial variations, can make legal and immigration paperwork more complex.

U.S. surrogacy offers legal consistency.

In contrast, surrogacy in the U.S. provides clearly defined legal rights for intended parents, from pre-birth orders to easier documentation coordination.

Become a Parent

Understanding U.S. and Canadian Citizenship for Your Baby

A baby born in the United States through surrogacy will automatically qualify for U.S. citizenship at birth, which helps streamline travel documents and legal identification. U.S. birth certificates and citizenship support your family’s transition home.

Canadian law recognizes children born abroad, and your child may also be eligible for Canadian citizenship by descent. This process includes registering the birth with Canadian authorities and submitting the correct legal documents. Joy of Life helps you prepare everything needed so you can return home with confidence.

Your Step-by-Step Path to Parenthood From Canada

Follow our trusted process, tailored for international families like yours. From your first consultation to your baby’s arrival, we provide culturally informed guidance every step of the way.

Step1

Remote Consultation

Meet virtually with a native-speaking advisor in your preferred language to explore your surrogacy options.

Step2

Surrogate Matching

We help you choose a surrogate who fits your values and preferences.

Step3

Record Collection & Clinical Review

We gather your medical records and your clinic reviews them to confirm next steps. This waiting period can take time, and we’ll keep you updated throughout.

Step4

Medical Screening

Your surrogate is medically cleared by a leading U.S. fertility clinic.

Step5

Legal Agreements

Review U.S. surrogacy contracts with attorney support and translation.

Step6

Embryo Transfer

The embryo is transferred — your journey to parenthood officially begins!

Step7

Pregnancy Updates

Receive regular health updates and prepare for travel near birth.

Step8

Baby’s Arrival & Return Home

We assist with all travel and registration documents so you can return to Canada smoothly.

Why Canadian Parents Trust Joy of Life

Surrogacy across borders can feel overwhelming. Canadian parents choose Joy of Life because we combine legal expertise, thoughtful guidance and empathetic support so you never feel alone.

Here’s what makes us a trusted partner:

Deep understanding of Canadian and U.S. documentation requirements

Bilingual English–French support available to meet your family’s needs

Cross‑border legal coordination and clarity

Personalized care at every step

Common Questions From Our Canadian Families

Surrogacy across borders can raise many important questions when navigating both the U.S. and Canadian legal and logistical systems. Below are some of the most frequent questions we hear from Canadian parents, along with how we help guide you through each step with clarity and care.

Begin the Process With a Trusted Surrogacy Partner

Whether you’re just exploring surrogacy or ready to begin, Joy of Life is here to guide you with trusted expertise and support every step of the way.

Become a Parent

Surrogacy for Canadian Parents

Build your family through a legally secure, transparent and fully supported surrogacy journey in the United States.

Why Canadian Families Choose U.S. Surrogacy