Are MedLetter documents legitimate?

Yes. Every letter is reviewed and signed by a physician registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Our documents include the physician's CPSA registration number, official letterhead, and signature.

How quickly will I receive my letter?

Most letters are delivered within 2-4 hours during business hours. Some complex requests may take up to 24 hours.

Is this service available outside Alberta?

No. This service is exclusively for Alberta residents. Our physicians are licensed with the CPSA and can only provide medical documents to patients within their jurisdiction.

What is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter?

An ESA letter is an official document from a licensed physician stating that you have a mental health condition that benefits from the companionship of an emotional support animal. This letter can be used for housing accommodation requests.

How much does a sick note cost?

A sick note from MedLetter costs $49 CAD. This is a one-time flat fee with no hidden costs.

Can International Students Get Accommodation Letters in Alberta? (2026)

International students face unique barriers to getting accommodation letters in Alberta. Here's how to navigate the system and get the documentation you need.

## The International Student Accommodation Gap Alberta welcomes over **40,000 international students** each year across its universities and colleges. Many of these students have pre-existing conditions (ADHD, anxiety, depression, learning disabilities) that were managed in their home country but become challenging to document in Canada. Common barriers international students face: - **No Canadian medical history** - Previous diagnoses may not transfer easily - **No family doctor** - International students rarely have a GP in Alberta - **Insurance limitations** - Some student health plans don't cover specialist assessments - **Cultural stigma** - Mental health documentation may be unfamiliar - **Language barriers** - Difficulty explaining symptoms in English - **Cost concerns** - Specialist assessments cost $1,500-3,000+ ## Do International Students Qualify for Accommodations? **Yes, absolutely.** The Alberta Human Rights Act protects all students studying in Alberta, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Your right to academic accommodations is the same as any Canadian student. Alberta institutions cannot: - Deny accommodations based on nationality - Require Canadian-specific documentation formats - Demand diagnosis from a Canadian specialist only - Charge international students extra for accommodation services ## How to Get an Accommodation Letter as an International Student ### Option 1: Use Documentation from Your Home Country Many Alberta universities accept foreign medical documentation if it: - Is from a regulated healthcare professional - Is translated into English (certified translation) - Clearly states the diagnosis and functional limitations - Includes recommended accommodations **Limitation**: Some institutions may require a Canadian provider to "confirm" or "update" foreign documentation. ### Option 2: Get a Canadian Assessment | Provider | Cost | Wait Time | Insurance Coverage | |---|---|---|---| | University health clinic | $0-50 | 1-4 weeks | Usually covered by student plan | | Walk-in clinic | $0-100 | Same day | Covered by student health plan | | Psychologist | $200-300/session | 2-8 weeks | Partial coverage (check plan) | | Psychiatrist | $0 (referral needed) | 6-18 months | Covered by AHCIP | | MedLetter (online) | $99 | Same day | Not covered (but affordable) | ### Option 3: MedLetter for International Students MedLetter is particularly popular with international students because: - **No Canadian medical history required** - We assess your current situation - **Same-day delivery** - No waiting weeks for appointments - **Simple online process** - Complete from home in your own time - **CPSA-registered physician** - Accepted at all Alberta institutions - **Clear English documentation** - Formatted for Canadian accessibility offices - **Affordable flat fee** - $99 with no hidden costs ## University Resources for International Students ### University of Alberta - International Student Services works with Accessibility Resources - Accepts translated foreign documentation - Offers multilingual support staff - Free initial consultation with accessibility advisor ### University of Calgary - International Student Services (ISS) can refer to Student Accessibility Services - Accepts documentation in English or with certified translation - Offers peer mentoring for international students with disabilities - Student Wellness Centre provides initial assessments ### Mount Royal University - International Education office coordinates with Accessibility Services - Accepts foreign documentation with translation - Offers cultural liaison support - Student Counselling available in multiple languages ## Country-Specific Considerations ### Students from India - Indian medical documentation is generally accepted with English translation - ADHD and learning disability assessments from registered psychologists are valid - Bring any previous school accommodation records (IEP, etc.) ### Students from