Your journey begins with a short initial application on our website. This helps our team quickly determine your eligibility. Once submitted, we’ll reach out to guide you through the next steps and answer any questions you may have.
We ask for key background details such as your health history, past pregnancies, lifestyle habits, and contact information. Later in the process, we may also request medical records, photos, and more in-depth personal information.
Yes! Our entire application process—from the initial screening to the full application—can be completed online. You can apply from the comfort of your home, and our team is always available to assist you virtually.
The full application typically takes around 20 minutes to finish. It’s a detailed form covering your medical history, reproductive background, and other relevant information to help us assess your eligibility.
You don’t need to have your medical records ready for the initial application. However, once you move forward in the screening process, we’ll assist you in obtaining the necessary documents from your OB/GYN and previous hospital.
We typically review initial applications within 1–2 business days. Once reviewed, our coordinator will reach out by phone or email to discuss the next steps and answer any questions you may have.
You’re welcome to apply, but we usually require you to have weaned your baby and completed postpartum recovery before moving forward.
Once your full application is submitted, our team will carefully review it. If you meet our initial criteria, you’ll be contacted to schedule a screening call, followed by next steps like collecting medical records, matching, and contracts.
Yes, you can reapply! Many factors—such as BMI(Calculate My BMI), medical history, or recent birth—can change over time. If your circumstances have improved or if you’ve completed postpartum recovery, we encourage you to submit a new application. Our team will reevaluate your profile with your updated information.
Yes. Once your initial application is reviewed and you’re considered eligible, we’ll schedule a video consultation. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions, learn more about the surrogacy process, and help us get to know you better. It’s a key step in building trust and ensuring a smooth journey for everyone involved.
At this time, Ivy Surrogacy works exclusively with surrogates who live in the United States and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. If you’re currently living abroad, we unfortunately can’t proceed with your application. However, we welcome your interest and hope you’ll reach out if your situation changes.
Our referral program rewards individuals who introduce us to potential surrogates. If the surrogate you refer successfully completes medical and psychological screenings, matches with intended parents, and receives legal clearance, you’ll receive a generous referral bonus as our way of thanking you for helping make a family’s dream come true.
Referral bonuses typically range from $1,500 to $2,000, depending on the surrogate’s experience. We’re happy to share current bonus rates when you contact our team.
Referral bonuses are issued after the surrogate you referred successfully completes medical and psychological screenings, matches with intended parents, and obtains legal clearance. This ensures she is fully approved and ready to begin the surrogacy journey before the bonus is paid out.
A first-time surrogate has never completed a surrogacy journey before. An experienced surrogate has successfully carried for intended parents in the past. Experience often qualifies them for higher compensation and faster matching.
Yes! Whether you’re a friend, family member, healthcare professional, or a former surrogate, you’re welcome to refer someone to us. As long as the person you refer qualifies and completes the required steps, you’ll be eligible for the referral bonus.
You can submit a referral by filling out the form on our website, sending us an email with the referral’s name and contact details, or simply giving us a call. Just be sure your name is included as the referring person so we can accurately track your bonus.
All referred surrogates must meet our basic agency criteria before a referral reward is issued. This includes factors like age, medical history, and prior pregnancy experience. For a detailed list of eligibility requirements, please visit our Surrogate Requirements page.
There’s no limit! You’re welcome to refer as many potential surrogates as you’d like. Each successful referral is eligible for its own reward.
Most IVF doctors recommend waiting at least 6 months after a complication-free vaginal delivery before embryo transfer. This means you can start the surrogacy process, including matching with intended parents, completing medical screening, and legal contracts, around 3-4 months postpartum. These preparations typically take 3-4 months, so embryo transfer can occur as early as 6-7 months after delivery. However, some doctors may require a minimum of 9-12 months. For C-section deliveries, the minimum interval is usually 12 months. At Ivy Surrogacy, we ensure all surrogates undergo thorough evaluations to confirm they are ready for the journey.
Yes, you can still become a surrogate after having a C-section. Our team reviews each candidate individually, considering overall health, medical records, and prior birth outcomes. A prior C-section does not automatically disqualify you from surrogacy.
Yes! Having your tubes tied (a tubal ligation) does not affect your ability to be a gestational surrogate. Since the embryo is transferred directly into the uterus, the fallopian tubes are not involved in the process. Read the blog Can You Be a Surrogate After a Tubal Ligation? for more details.
Not necessarily. If your gestational diabetes was well-managed and there were no significant complications, you may still qualify. Our medical team will review your records to make a determination based on overall health and pregnancy history.
Irregular menstrual cycles don’t always disqualify you. As long as you have a healthy uterus and meet the other medical criteria, your cycle can often be regulated during the IVF process with medications.
Yes. Many surrogates have had previous pregnancy losses or terminations. We’ll review your full obstetric history to determine your overall reproductive health and ability to carry safely.
It depends on the medication and the condition it’s treating. Some prescriptions are perfectly fine, while others may require evaluation. During your screening, our team will review all medications to determine your eligibility.
It depends on the cause and outcome. If the premature birth was mild and there were no ongoing complications, you may still be eligible. Each case is reviewed individually by our medical professionals.
Most likely not. While a few IVF clinics may accept surrogates with a BMI up to 32, the majority prefer a BMI under 30 for medical safety reasons. Intended parents also tend to favor surrogates within this range. If your BMI is above 32, matching opportunities will be very limited, and you may be asked to reduce it before continuing with the process.
In some cases, yes. If the infection was treated and fully resolved—such as chlamydia or gonorrhea—you may still qualify. However, active infections or certain conditions like HIV or hepatitis B/C may disqualify you.
Yes, you can still become a surrogate after having a C-section. Our team reviews each candidate individually, considering overall health, medical records, and prior birth outcomes. A prior C-section does not automatically disqualify you from surrogacy.
Most agencies—including Ivy Surrogacy—accept surrogates between the ages of 21 and 38. However, eligibility also depends on your health history and previous pregnancies. If you’re slightly outside this range, you may still qualify depending on individual circumstances.
To protect the health of the baby and meet medical guidelines, surrogates must refrain from using tobacco, marijuana, and recreational drugs. A history of occasional use won’t always disqualify you, but you must be fully substance-free before starting.
Yes, many women begin the surrogacy process while still using birth control. If you’re eligible to move forward, you’ll need to have the IUD or implant removed before starting the medical screening phase. Most surrogates arrange this appointment with their own OB/GYN, and we’ll let you know exactly when it’s needed during the process.
At Ivy Surrogacy, first-time surrogates typically receive a base compensation between $40,000 and $55,000, depending on the state they live in. Experienced surrogates may qualify for a higher base pay based on their previous journeys.
In addition to base compensation, surrogates receive a benefit package valued at around $10,000, which may include a maternity clothing allowance, monthly stipends, and other non-reimbursable perks. Travel expenses and medical costs are fully covered separately.
Total compensation for surrogates typically ranges from $50,000 to $95,000 or more, depending on experience and location.
Yes. Surrogates who have completed a previous journey are typically offered a higher base compensation than first-time carriers. Their prior experience provides reassurance to intended parents and clinics, often leading to faster matching and enhanced trust throughout the process.
Yes. If you’re pregnant with twins or more, you’ll receive a multiple pregnancy bonus to reflect the added medical risk, physical demand, and responsibilities involved. The bonus amount is determined before pregnancy and included in your contract.
Yes. Surrogates typically receive several payments before pregnancy begins, including a contract signing bonus, medication start fee, and embryo transfer fee. You’ll also begin receiving monthly allowances after the legal process is completed. Base compensation, however, starts only after a confirmed pregnancy.
The surrogate benefit package at Ivy Surrogacy includes several non-base compensation items designed to support you throughout your journey. These typically include a monthly allowance, contract signing bonus, medication start fee, embryo transfer fee, and a maternity clothing allowance.
Please note that travel reimbursements, legal and medical costs, and additional compensation for specific pregnancy situations (such as a C-section or carrying multiples) are not part of the benefit package and are handled separately by the intended parents.
All base compensation and benefits at Ivy Surrogacy are disbursed through a third-party escrow account, which typically does not issue a 1099 form. However, tax treatment can vary depending on your personal situation and local regulations. For clarity and peace of mind, we recommend consulting a qualified tax advisor.
Yes. Base compensation varies by state primarily due to differences in cost of living. For example, surrogates in states like California or New York often receive higher base pay than those in lower-cost states. The variation is not based on legal factors, but rather on regional economic standards used by agencies.
No. All approved medical, legal, and travel-related expenses related to the surrogacy are fully covered by the intended parents through a dedicated escrow or trust account. You will not need to pay out-of-pocket for any part of the journey.
Yes. Even if the embryo transfer does not result in pregnancy, you will still receive a medication start fee and an embryo transfer fee for that cycle. If another embryo transfer is needed in the future, those fees will be paid again per attempt.
In addition, once you complete legal clearance, you’ll begin receiving your contract signing bonus and a monthly allowance, regardless of pregnancy outcome. These are issued as part of the surrogate benefit package and are not dependent on a confirmed pregnancy.
Yes. At Ivy Surrogacy, your surrogate benefit package includes a maternity clothing allowance, as well as a monthly allowance that can be used to help cover costs like local travel to appointments and other routine expenses during your journey. All specific amounts and payment terms will be clearly outlined in your surrogacy contract.
If you are an experienced surrogate, your base compensation may be negotiable depending on your past journey, location, and overall profile. For first-time surrogates, compensation is typically set based on standardized guidelines to ensure fairness and consistency. That said, we’re always happy to discuss your expectations during the intake process.
All pregnancy-related medical expenses during the surrogacy journey are fully covered by the intended parents. This includes fertility treatment, prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal recovery. Surrogates are never expected to pay out-of-pocket for covered medical services.
In cases of multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.), we take additional steps to ensure your health and the babies’ well-being. This situation will also be reflected in your compensation package, as carrying multiples usually entails additional compensation.
Any travel required for appointments or procedures related to the surrogacy will be arranged and paid for by the agency. You will also receive a stipend for travel-related expenses such as meals and lodging if overnight stays are necessary.
Every journey is unique, but most surrogacy processes take 12 to 18 months from application to delivery. The timeline includes application, screening, matching, legal clearance, embryo transfer, and pregnancy. Some journeys may be faster or slower depending on medical factors and match availability.
The main steps include: (1) application and pre-screening, (2) matching with intended parents, (3) psychological and medical evaluations, (4) legal contract signing, (5) embryo transfer, (6) pregnancy and delivery, and (7) continued support. Our team supports you at every stage.
Matching time varies, but most qualified surrogates are matched within a few weeks to a couple of months after passing initial screening. Factors like your location, preferences, and profile may affect the timeline.
The embryo transfer is a simple, outpatient procedure performed at the IVF clinic. You’ll likely start medications 2–3 weeks before the transfer to prepare your uterine lining. The procedure itself is painless and takes about 15 minutes. A pregnancy test is done about 10–12 days later. Read the blog Understanding Your Pregnancy Timeline as a Surrogate: Insights on 5-Day Embryo Transfers for more details.
As part of your screening, you’ll undergo a range of evaluations including bloodwork, infectious disease testing, drug screening, and a saline sonogram or hysteroscopy to assess the condition of your uterus. Some clinics may also include a mock cycle to observe how your body responds to fertility medications. These assessments help ensure you are medically ready and safe to carry a pregnancy for intended parents.
Yes. As a surrogate, you’ll be provided with an independent attorney—paid for by the intended parents—to review your contract and represent your best interests. You’ll never be expected to sign anything without full legal support.
Yes. At Ivy Surrogacy, we always arrange a video match meeting so you can speak face-to-face with the intended parents before making any commitment. This gives both sides a chance to connect, ask questions, and ensure mutual comfort and shared values before moving forward together.
It depends on the specific issue:
No matter the outcome, our team will communicate with transparency and support you every step of the way.
Yes. All surrogacy contracts must be signed—and legal clearance obtained—before you can begin medications for embryo transfer. Your attorney will help you understand every part of the agreement to protect your rights.
Yes. You’ll be asked about your preferences during the intake process. Whether you’d like to help a heterosexual couple, a same-sex couple, or a single parent, we do our best to find a match that aligns with your values and comfort.
If either you or the intended parents decide not to move forward after the initial meeting, we’ll return to the matching process. There’s no pressure to accept a match that doesn’t feel right, and we’ll support you in finding a better fit.
Your privacy is protected throughout the surrogacy process in accordance with HIPAA standards. Information is only shared with intended parents or healthcare providers as needed—and only with your consent.
If the first embryo transfer is unsuccessful, the surrogacy agency will typically schedule a second embryo transfer, with a review and possible adjustment of the medical protocol. Surrogates are still compensated according to the terms in the surrogacy agreement.
Generally, surrogates can continue with their regular activities and employment during the surrogacy. However, each case is unique, and recommendations may vary based on the specifics of your pregnancy and medical advice.
Matches are made based on several factors including your preferences, the intended parents’ preferences, compatibility in expectations, and the medical requirements of the IVF clinic. We strive to ensure that both parties are comfortable with the match for a harmonious journey.
Most surrogates are able to continue working during the early and middle stages of pregnancy, as long as their job isn’t physically demanding. However, if your doctor prescribes medical rest due to pregnancy-related concerns or complications, you may need to reduce your hours or take time off. In such cases, your surrogacy contract may provide compensation for lost wages, provided appropriate medical documentation is submitted.
Most standard surrogacy contracts include up to three embryo transfer attempts. In practice, some journeys may require fewer attempts—either because a pregnancy is achieved early or because the intended parents have a limited number of embryos. If three transfers are completed without success, and both parties wish to continue, the contract can be amended to allow additional transfers with mutual agreement.
Yes. Ivy Surrogacy ensures you receive postpartum medical care through your OB/GYN, as well as access to emotional support if needed. Your well-being after delivery matters just as much as during pregnancy, and we’re here to support your recovery and transition.
Our surrogacy agency offers full emotional, logistical, and administrative support throughout your journey. This includes counseling, 24/7 communication, appointment coordination, and a dedicated case manager to assist you every step of the way.
Recovery time varies by individual, but typically, surrogates can start returning to normal activities as per the doctor’s guidance during the postpartum check-up. We ensure you receive support during this recovery phase to make the transition as smooth as possible.
