What the Surrogate Application Process Really Looks Like: From First Click to Matching

Starting a surrogacy journey can feel overwhelming at first. Many women feel curious, inspired, and even excited—but also unsure about where to begin or what the process truly involves. Questions like Why are there so many steps?, What happens after I apply?, or Is this really something I can do? are completely normal.

At Giving Tree Surrogacy, the application process is designed to be clear, supportive, and human. From the very first form to the moment a surrogate is ready to be matched with intended parents, every step exists for one core reason: safety, trust, and long-term success for everyone involved.

Understanding what the process looks like from start to finish can ease uncertainty and help women feel confident taking the first step.

The First Step: A Simple, No-Pressure Application

The surrogacy journey begins with a short, straightforward application. This initial form focuses only on basic qualification criteria such as age, location, body mass index (BMI), and pregnancy history. These questions are not arbitrary—they follow guidelines set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and IVF clinics to ensure surrogacy is medically safe.

At this stage, the goal is not commitment. It’s simply to start a conversation. Many women apply just to see if they qualify, and that curiosity alone is welcomed. There is no obligation, no pressure, and no expectation beyond learning more.

For applicants who meet these initial requirements, outreach typically happens within 24 hours. This quick response helps keep momentum while reassuring candidates that there is a real team behind the process.

A Human Conversation, Not an Interrogation

After the initial application, qualified candidates are invited to share additional information and schedule an interview at a time that works for them. This conversation is one of the most important—and most reassuring—parts of the process.

Rather than feeling like an interview, it often feels like a genuine discussion. Topics include medical history, lifestyle, work, family life, and support systems. The purpose is not to judge, but to truly understand who the candidate is and whether surrogacy fits realistically into her life.

This is also where many women feel their first sense of relief. What initially felt complex or intimidating becomes clearer when broken down into phases. The process feels less clinical and more personal. Many candidates finish this conversation feeling excited, informed, and supported.

Medical Records: The Foundation of Safety

One of the most critical steps in the application process is gathering and reviewing medical records. These records—especially from prior pregnancies and deliveries—are essential for IVF clinics and intended parents.

Candidates are guided through this process using a secure, HIPAA-compliant online portal that allows them to complete tasks on their own schedule. Medical releases, OB clearance letters, and records from labor and delivery are all collected digitally, making the process far more manageable for busy moms.

This step ensures that surrogacy is medically appropriate and safe. If a candidate is not approved medically, it does not reflect her worth or effort—it simply means the necessary medical clearance cannot be obtained, which is a requirement of the process.

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Background Checks and Home Environment Screening

Lifestyle screening is another part of the journey that is often misunderstood. Background checks are required for surrogates and any adult partners living in the household. These checks are completed electronically and securely, without the need for in-person appointments.

Candidates are also asked to complete a virtual home tour. This is not about perfection. It’s about safety. The goal is simply to confirm that the home environment is appropriate and stable.

These steps help ensure that intended parents can move forward with confidence, knowing that surrogates have been thoroughly and respectfully screened. There is no judgment involved—only a commitment to safety, transparency, and well-being.

Support Systems Matter More Than Perfection

One of the strongest indicators of a successful surrogacy journey is having a solid support system. Support can look different for every woman. Some have spouses or partners, others rely on family, friends, coworkers, or neighbors.

Being married is not a requirement to become a surrogate. What matters is having people who can help when needed—whether that means childcare during appointments, emotional support on hard days, or flexibility during brief travel periods for medical screening or embryo transfer.

If a partner has questions or hesitations, additional conversations are encouraged. Partners are welcome to join calls, ask questions, and fully understand what the journey involves. This openness helps build trust and ensures everyone feels prepared before moving forward.

Creating a Surrogate Profile

Once all screenings are complete, the process shifts into a more exciting phase: creating the surrogate profile. This profile is a carefully crafted snapshot that introduces the surrogate to potential intended parents.

It includes photos, background details, pregnancy history, and personal touches that reflect the surrogate’s personality, interests, and daily life. Importantly, surrogates review and approve everything before their profile is shared. Nothing is published without their consent.

The profile maintains privacy by using only first names and limited location details. It is designed to be warm, honest, and reflective of who the surrogate truly is.

Matching: A Thoughtful, Intentional Process

Matching is not random, and it is not rushed. Giving Tree’s matching specialists are intentional in pairing surrogates and intended parents based on compatibility, values, expectations, and openness around important topics such as communication preferences and medical decisions.

When there is mutual interest, a match meeting is scheduled. These meetings are relaxed and low-pressure, guided by professionals who help facilitate open conversation. Afterward, both sides provide feedback before confirming a match.

If matching takes longer than expected, candidates are reminded that waiting is not a reflection of their worth. It simply means the right fit has not appeared yet. Throughout this phase, communication continues, and candidates are never left feeling forgotten.

When the Journey Becomes Real

Many surrogates share that the matching phase is when everything truly becomes real. Seeing intended parent profiles and learning about their journeys often brings a deeper emotional understanding of the impact surrogacy has.

What began as curiosity transforms into purpose. Step by step, the gravity of helping someone build a family sets in. It becomes clear that this journey is not just about pregnancy—it’s about changing lives.

A Simple First Step Can Lead Somewhere Extraordinary

For women feeling a quiet nudge to explore surrogacy, the best advice is simple: apply and start the conversation. You don’t need all the answers. You don’t need to know every detail. That’s what the team is there for.

The application is just the beginning of a guided, supportive, and deeply meaningful journey. One that unfolds at the right pace, with transparency, care, and human connection at its core.

Sometimes, one small step is all it takes to begin something truly remarkable.

🎧 Want to dive deeper? Tune in to our podcast, where we discuss real stories, expert insights, and the heart behind every surrogacy journey.