International intended parents

How does surrogacy in the USA work for international intended parents?

The short answer

Surrogacy in the USA for international intended parents means working with a US agency, clinic and surrogate under the law of the state where the surrogate delivers, while your home country's law decides how the child's parentage is recognized when you return. The United States is the most used destination because compensated gestational surrogacy is enforceable in states like Illinois, pre-birth parentage orders are available, and a child born on US soil has historically received US citizenship and a US passport within weeks. A US journey typically takes 18 to 24 months and costs $150,000 to $200,000, paid in US dollars through an independent licensed escrow agent. PLS has served parents from China, Europe, Israel, Australia and Latin America since 2017; Global Surrogacy Coordinator Jan Telman Berman manages every international cycle.

Written by Jan Telman Berman

Global Surrogacy Coordinator. 18+ years managing national and international cycles.

Last updated October 14, 2026

Why do international parents choose the United States, and which law applies?

This section is being written.

What are the steps for a foreign intended parent?

This section is being written.

What does the 2026 executive order on citizenship mean for you?

This section is being written.

How does your baby get US citizenship and a passport, and how do you take the baby home?

This section is being written.

What does a US journey cost in your currency, and how is money protected?

This section is being written.

When do you travel, how long do you stay, and what insurance does your newborn need?

This section is being written.

Country-by-country guides

This section is being written.

How does PLS run an international journey?

This section is being written.

Table in preparation

Country summary matrix: home-country stance on surrogacy abroad (high level), typical post-birth steps, typical weeks in the US after birth, link to country page, with reviewed-by-counsel date

Editor notes (D-013): Every legal statement carries 'status as of [date], reviewed by counsel'. Confirm the list of countries PLS has actually served before naming them. Insert [PLS_JOURNEYS] for international families if available.

Frequently asked questions

Do we need to live in the US or hold a visa for the whole journey?

No. Most steps are remote. Parents typically travel for the clinic visit to create embryos, optionally the match meeting, and the birth.

Is a child born to foreign parents via surrogacy in the US a US citizen?

Children born on US soil have historically received citizenship at birth. An August 6, 2026 federal executive order concerning children born via compensated surrogacy to two non-citizen parents is under litigation. See the status page, reviewed by counsel.

Will our home country recognize us as parents?

It depends on the country. Some register the birth directly, some require adoption of the non-genetic parent, some prohibit surrogacy but still recognize the child's rights. PLS refers you to counsel at home.

In what currency do we pay?

US dollars, by wire to an independent licensed escrow agent. PLS never holds your funds.

Who at PLS manages international cases?

Jan Telman Berman, Global Surrogacy Coordinator, with 18 or more years in women's health and third-party reproduction.