Building Your Family Across Borders
Families from more than 20 countries have built their families through Alpha Fidelis. Distance is not a barrier — we manage every detail so you can focus on becoming a parent.
International intended parents can legally pursue surrogacy and egg donation in California. The process mirrors domestic surrogacy, with additional steps for the child's passport and citizenship documentation. California pre-birth orders are recognized in most countries. Alpha Fidelis has coordinated journeys for families from more than 20 countries, and manages all coordination remotely.
Why International Families
Choose California
Surrogacy and egg donation are restricted or prohibited in many countries. The United States — and California specifically — offers legal clarity, world-class medicine, and full parental rights that most other destinations cannot match.
The World's Most Permissive Surrogacy Laws
The United States — and California in particular — has the most clearly established, intended-parent-friendly surrogacy laws in the world. Pre-birth orders grant legal parentage before your baby is born, with no adoption required.
California surrogacy law explained →Both Parents on the Birth Certificate
Regardless of your nationality or marital status, both intended parents can be listed on a California birth certificate from day one. Same-sex couples are fully included.
How pre-birth orders work →No Citizenship Restrictions
There are no US laws restricting who can pursue surrogacy or egg donation as an international intended parent. California clinics and agencies routinely serve families from all over the world.
World-Class IVF Clinics
Southern California is home to some of the highest-ranked IVF programs in the world. Success rates are among the best globally, with access to the latest reproductive technologies.
Diverse, Screened Donor Pool
Our donor network includes women of Asian, Hispanic, Caucasian, African-American, Middle Eastern, and mixed ethnic backgrounds — giving international families access to donors who match their appearance and heritage.
Legal Certainty for Your Child
A California court order establishing parentage is recognized in most countries. Your child's legal status as your child is documented before they ever leave the hospital.
Country-specific legal guide →We Speak Your Language —
Literally
Our team communicates directly in English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese. For other languages, we work with certified medical interpreters to ensure nothing is lost in translation during consultations, legal reviews, and coordination calls.
Regions We Serve
Your International Journey
Step by Step
Most of the journey is handled remotely. International intended parents typically travel to the US only once or twice — and some only come for the birth.
Remote Consultation
Your journey begins with a video call. We accommodate time zones across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. Our team includes Mandarin and Spanish-speaking coordinators, and we use licensed interpreters for other languages as needed.
Clinic Selection & IVF Planning
We work with your preferred IVF clinic in the US, or refer you to trusted Southern California clinics with strong international track records. If you are using your own sperm or eggs, we coordinate sample transport or plan your travel schedule to minimize trips.
Donor or Surrogate Matching
The matching process is fully remote. You review profiles online, communicate through your coordinator, and meet your surrogate via video call. You do not need to travel to the US until the embryo transfer or delivery — and some intended parents attend only the birth.
Legal Agreements & Escrow
All legal agreements are signed electronically through secure platforms. Your escrow account is managed by a US-based third-party administrator. We work with reproductive attorneys experienced in international surrogacy who understand the legal nuances of your home country.
Pregnancy Monitoring
During the pregnancy, your surrogate sends regular updates, ultrasound images, and milestone reports through your coordinator. We schedule video calls so you can stay connected across the distance. You choose how involved you want to be.
Travel for Delivery
Most international intended parents travel to the US 1–2 weeks before the expected delivery date. We coordinate hospital arrangements, help you find local accommodations near the delivery location, and ensure your coordinator is available through delivery day.
Birth Certificate & US Documentation
Your names appear on the California birth certificate. We assist with obtaining the official certified copies you will need. Your child is born on US soil, which may have citizenship implications depending on your home country — our attorneys advise on this.
Passport & Return Home
We coordinate with your country's consulate or embassy to begin the passport application for your newborn. This process typically takes 2–4 weeks depending on nationality. We help you understand the local requirements and connect you with attorneys who handle international child travel documentation.
Important Considerations
for International Families
Your Child's Citizenship
Under the 14th Amendment, a child born on U.S. soil is automatically a U.S. citizen at birth, regardless of the parents' nationality. Separately, having a California birth certificate with your names greatly simplifies obtaining your home country's citizenship or passport for the child, where applicable. Our attorneys advise on this for every nationality.
See citizenship considerations by region →Travel During Pregnancy
You are not required to travel to the US during the pregnancy, though many intended parents choose to attend the 20-week anatomy scan. We work with you to plan travel that fits your schedule and minimizes time away from home.
Communication Across Time Zones
Your dedicated coordinator accommodates your time zone for scheduled calls. For routine updates, we use asynchronous communication (email, messaging apps) so you always have access to information without waiting for business hours.
Wire Transfers & Escrow
International wire transfers are the standard payment method for escrow funding. Our escrow administrator has extensive experience receiving international transfers and will provide all necessary banking details and SWIFT information.
How surrogacy escrow works →Home Country Legal Review
Some countries have restrictions on surrogacy-born children returning home. We strongly recommend consulting a family law attorney in your home country before beginning your journey. We can refer you to attorneys with international surrogacy experience.
Country-by-country legal overview →Sperm or Egg Transport
If you are using your own sperm or eggs, we coordinate with certified cryogenic transport companies. Frozen sperm and eggs can be shipped internationally through FDA-compliant channels. Fresh sample options are also possible with planned travel.
Questions from International Families
What is the difference between egg donation and surrogacy for intended parents?
How do we get started as intended parents?
International Families — Legal Guide
Country-specific considerations, pre-birth orders for non-U.S. parents, consulate and citizenship steps by region.
Read the guide →California Surrogacy Law
Why California has the strongest legal protections for intended parents in the world — AB 1217 explained.
Read the guide →Surrogacy Escrow Explained
How surrogate compensation is held, what triggers disbursements, and international wire transfer guidance.
Read the guide →Start Your International JourneyYour Journey?
Schedule a video consultation in your time zone. Our team will explain exactly what the process looks like for families from your country.
Confidential consultations available · +1 (888) 360-9887