Updated August 2026, Current BC Employment Standards and CPSBC telemedicine guidelines.
Need a sick note in BC? MedLetter provides official physician-signed documentation for $49 with same-day delivery. No walk-in clinic visit needed — submit your request in 2 minutes and receive your note by email. Valid for employers, universities, and insurance across British Columbia.
Sick Notes for International Workers in BC
If you're working in BC on a work permit (LMIA, IEC, PGWP, or other), you have the same employment rights as Canadian workers, including sick leave. Navigating the healthcare system in a new country can be daunting, especially when you are feeling unwell and need to provide documentation to your employer. Whether you are working in bustling Vancouver, the growing tech hub of Surrey, or the scenic capital of Victoria, understanding your rights and options is crucial.
Your Rights Are the Same
Under BC's Employment Standards Act:
- 5 paid sick days per year (after 90 days of employment)
- 3 unpaid sick days per year
- Job protection during legitimate illness
- No discrimination based on immigration status
These rights apply regardless of whether you work for a large corporation like BC Hydro, Telus, or Lululemon, or a small local business in Kelowna or Nanaimo. The BC Employment Standards Act is designed to protect all workers, ensuring that you can take the time you need to recover without fear of losing your job or facing unfair treatment.
Common Concerns for International Workers
"Will taking sick leave affect my work permit?"
No. Using your legal sick leave entitlements does not affect your immigration status. Your work permit is tied to your employment, but taking legally protected sick leave is a fundamental right that cannot be used against you by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
"Can my employer threaten my LMIA if I call in sick?"
No. This is illegal. Employers cannot use immigration status as leverage against workers exercising their rights. If an employer attempts to do so, they are violating the BC Employment Standards Act and potentially facing consequences from the BC Human Rights Tribunal.
"Do I need a Canadian doctor for my sick note?"
Yes. Your note should be from a physician licensed in BC (CPSBC-registered). MedLetter physicians are all CPSBC-registered, ensuring that your documentation meets the strict standards required by BC employers and institutions like WorkSafeBC.
Barriers International Workers Face
- No family doctor (MSP coverage may be limited or delayed)
- Language barriers at walk-in clinics
- Fear of employer retaliation
- Unfamiliarity with BC healthcare system
Many international workers arrive in cities like Burnaby, Richmond, or Kamloops only to find that securing a family doctor is incredibly difficult. Even with Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage, the wait times at walk-in clinics can be extensive, often requiring hours of waiting in a room full of other sick individuals. This is particularly challenging if you are dealing with language barriers or are unfamiliar with how the system operates.
The Urgency of Getting a Sick Note
There are many scenarios where you might urgently need a sick note. Perhaps your boss is demanding a note by tomorrow morning, or you called in sick without one and are now facing disciplinary action. Maybe it's a weekend or evening when most clinics in Prince George or Vancouver are closed. In these high-stress situations, finding a reliable and fast solution is essential.
When you are sick, the last thing you want to do is spend hours trying to find an open clinic, especially if you rely on public transit like BC Ferries or TransLink. The stress of potentially losing your job or facing retaliation from your employer only adds to the burden. This is where accessible, online solutions become invaluable.
How MedLetter Helps
MedLetter provides sick notes from CPSBC-registered physicians with no clinic visit required. Our simple online form is accessible regardless of language barriers, and we provide documentation that meets all BC legal requirements. You can New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time. today, ensuring you have the necessary documentation without the hassle of visiting a clinic.
Our service is designed to be fast, efficient, and fully compliant with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) telemedicine guidelines. This means your employer, whether it's Vancouver Coastal Health, Fraser Health, or ICBC, will accept the note without question.
Comparing Your Options for a BC Sick Note
When you need a BC sick note, you have a few options. Here is a comparison to help you decide the best route for your situation:
| Feature | Walk-in Clinic | Emergency Room | MedLetter Online Service |
|---------|----------------|----------------|--------------------------|
| Cost | $20 - $50 (often not covered by MSP) | Free (with MSP), but highly discouraged for non-emergencies | $49 flat fee |
| Time Required | 2 - 4 hours (including travel and waiting) | 4 - 8+ hours | 5 - 10 minutes to apply |
| Availability | Limited hours, often closed evenings and weekends | 24/7, but extreme wait times | 24/7 application, same-day delivery |
| Convenience | Requires travel while sick | Requires travel while sick | 100% online from home |
| Physician | CPSBC-registered | CPSBC-registered | CPSBC-registered |
As you can see, using an online service like MedLetter is often the most efficient and cost-effective way to secure the documentation you need, especially when time is of the essence.
What Employers Need to Know
Canadian employment law balances employer interests with employee privacy:
- Employers can request confirmation of illness but not specific diagnoses
- The note should state: dates of absence, that the employee was/is unfit for duties, and expected return date
- Employers cannot contact the physician directly without employee consent
- Requiring a note for every single-day absence may constitute harassment in some jurisdictions
Employers in BC must adhere to these guidelines to respect employee privacy and comply with the law. Requesting detailed medical information or attempting to bypass the employee to speak directly with the physician is strictly prohibited.
Cost Considerations for Employers
- Walk-in clinic notes cost employees $20-50 and require 2-4 hours away from work
- Virtual sick notes reduce time away from work to minutes
- Some employers reimburse sick note costs as a best practice
- The cost of replacing a sick employee for a day far exceeds the cost of documentation
By accepting virtual sick notes and potentially reimbursing the cost, employers can foster a healthier, more supportive work environment. This approach not only benefits the employee but also reduces overall absenteeism and improves productivity in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a sick note online in British Columbia?
Yes. CPSBC-licensed physicians can assess patients through virtual consultations and issue legally valid sick notes accepted by BC employers.
How much does an online sick note cost in BC?
MedLetter charges a flat $49 for a sick note with same-day delivery. This is often faster and more affordable than visiting a walk-in clinic.
Will my BC employer accept an online sick note?
Yes. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC recognizes virtual care. Online sick notes are legally equivalent to in-person notes.
How many paid sick days do I get in BC?
BC employees are entitled to 5 paid sick days per year after 90 days of employment, plus 3 additional unpaid sick days.
Can I get a sick note on a weekend in BC?
Yes. MedLetter accepts submissions 7 days a week, including Saturdays, Sundays, and statutory holidays. Most BC walk-in clinics have severely limited weekend hours, many close by noon Saturday and are completely closed Sunday. Submit your request before 3pm PT for same-day delivery. This makes MedLetter the fastest option when you get sick on a weekend and need documentation for your employer.
What if my employer demands a sick note by tomorrow morning?
If your employer requires immediate documentation, MedLetter is your best option. By submitting your request online, you can receive a legally valid sick note from a CPSBC-registered physician on the same day, ensuring you meet your employer's deadline without the stress of finding an open clinic.
Do I need MSP coverage to use MedLetter?
No. MedLetter's service is available to anyone in BC, regardless of whether you have active Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage. The flat fee of $49 covers the consultation and the issuance of the sick note, making it accessible for international workers who may still be waiting for their MSP coverage to begin.
Can my employer refuse a sick note from an online service?
No. As long as the sick note is issued by a physician registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), it is legally valid. Employers cannot discriminate against virtual care or demand an in-person assessment for a standard sick note.
Related: Sick Note Vancouver | Sick Note Surrey | Online Sick Note BC