How Long Does It Take to Find a Surrogate

Last Updated: December 2025 (2026 Planning)

Quick Summary

For intended parents asking how long does it take to find a surrogate, the answer depends largely on the agency model you choose. Across the industry, timelines often stretch 12 to 18 months due to waitlists and post enrollment recruiting. At Egg Donor and Surrogacy Institute (EDSI), most families match with a surrogate in two to eight weeks. When embryos are ready and preferences are clear, the full journey from consultation to embryo transfer is typically about three months.

The 2026 Surrogacy Timeline Breakdown

To plan realistically, it helps to understand how each phase of the surrogacy journey fits together. While every family’s path is unique, the structure below reflects what intended parents experience most often when working with EDSI.

Phase One: Matching the Surrogate

This is the stage where the largest industry delays occur.

Comparison: Why Surrogacy Timelines Vary by Agency Model

Traditional Agencies	Intended parents enroll first, then the agency begins recruiting and screening surrogates. Internal waitlists often extend timelines. Typical timeframe: 6 to 14 months
EDSI Model	Surrogates are medically and psychologically screened in advance and available for immediate review. Typical timeframe: 2 to 8 weeks

Expert insight from Parham Zar:
In more than twenty five years guiding families, the longest delays are rarely medical. They come from administrative queues. By maintaining a pre-screened surrogate pool, EDSI removes the waiting list entirely.

Phase Two: Medical and Legal Clearance

Once a match is confirmed, the gestational carrier completes final clinic review and medical clearance. At the same time, legal counsel for both parties prepares the surrogacy agreement and parentage planning documents.

This phase includes:

• Final medical approval by the fertility clinic
• FDA testing and psychological evaluation
• Drafting and execution of the surrogacy agreement
• Parentage strategy planning handled by licensed attorneys

Typical timeframe: four to six weeks
Timing depends on clinic responsiveness and attorney coordination

Phase Three: Cycle Preparation and Embryo Transfer

After legal clearance, the surrogate begins medication to prepare her uterine lining according to the fertility clinic protocol. Thereafter, the doctor will perform the embryo transfer.

Typical timeframe: three to four weeks
A pregnancy test is usually scheduled ten to fourteen days after transfer.

Deep Dive: The Four Stages of the Surrogacy Process

Intake and Profile Alignment

Intended parents define preferences such as location, communication style, and medical decision alignment. Because EDSI matches from a screened pool, this stage focuses on fit rather than searching.

Screening and Clearance

The gestational carrier undergoes final medical review, FDA testing, and psychological evaluation through the fertility clinic. Prior screening minimizes disqualifications at this stage.

Legal Agreements

Independent attorneys draft and finalize the surrogacy agreement and prepare parentage documentation according to state requirements. Legal steps are handled by licensed counsel.

Embryo Transfer

The clinic coordinates transfer scheduling and cycle synchronization. This stage follows biological timelines set by the medical team.

Common Factors That Cause Delays

Even with an efficient agency, certain variables can extend timelines.

• Embryo readiness: Creating and testing embryos can add two to three months if not completed in advance
• Highly specific preferences: Narrow geographic or lifestyle criteria reduce available matches
• Insurance review: Confirming coverage and exclusions can require additional coordination

EDSI addresses many of these issues early to prevent late stage disruptions.

How to Speed Up Your Journey

Families who move fastest tend to share three traits.

1. Embryos are ready
   PGT tested embryos allow immediate progression to medical clearance.
2. Flexible state preferences
   Being open to surrogacy friendly states expands available matches.
3. Alignment through Matching Compass™
   Clear agreement on communication style, medical decisions, and embryo transfer plans reduces legal back and forth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Facts

Average Match Time at EDSI	2 to 8 weeks
Total Time to Transfer	About 3 months when embryos are ready
Main Delay Factors	Embryo readiness and agency waitlists
Supported Family Types	Couples, single parents, LGBTQIA+ families, and International parents

About the Author

Parham Zar is the Founder and Managing Director of Egg Donor and Surrogacy Institute (EDSI). With more than twenty five years of experience, he has guided families across the United States and internationally through complex surrogacy journeys in partnership with leading fertility clinics and reproductive law counsel.

With more than twenty five years of experience and a pre screened surrogate pool, EDSI operates one of the fastest matching models in third party reproduction.

Ready to Reclaim Your Timeline

Do not spend another year on a waiting list. EDSI is built to eliminate unnecessary delays while protecting medical, legal, and emotional standards.

Book Your Consultation

www.eggdonorandsurrogacy.com
CALL: 310-209-1898
EMAIL: edsi@eggdonorandsurrogacy.com