How to Submit a Sick Note to Work
Submitting a sick note is usually simpler when you separate the two tasks: report the absence using your workplace's rule, then provide documentation only in the format and timeframe the employer requests. Policies vary, so a document should support the process—not replace it.
A Practical Submission Checklist
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| Notify | Follow the call-in or absence-reporting procedure promptly. |
| Confirm | Ask whether documentation is needed, where to send it, and by when. |
| Review | Check the employee handbook, agreement, or collective agreement for extra requirements. |
| Submit | Use the requested secure channel, such as HR email, portal, or manager. |
| Keep a record | Save your notification and confirmation of submission. |
Keep Medical Details Private
An employer may need documentation of a medically supported absence, but that does not mean every clinical detail should be shared. A short-term note should generally be limited to what is appropriate for its purpose. If an employer asks for information you are unsure about, review the workplace policy or seek employment-law advice suited to your circumstances.
Timing: Do Not Assume a Universal Rule
Provincial and federal rules differ, and an employer's policy may set a submission process. Ontario's official sick-leave guidance, for example, restricts employers from requiring a certificate from a qualified health practitioner for statutory sick leave; other jurisdictions have different rules. Review the current official guidance for your province and your workplace policy rather than relying on a generic threshold.
When Short-Term Documentation Fits
MedLetter is for short-term illnesses such as a cold, flu, food poisoning, or stomach bug affecting a one-to-five-day absence. A clinician independently reviews each request. The service is not designed for chronic conditions, disability, mental-health documentation, workplace injury or WSIB matters, surgical recovery, or ongoing treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I email my sick note to my employer?
Use the channel your employer requests. If the policy does not say, ask HR or your manager how they want documentation submitted and retain a record of your submission.
Do I have to tell my employer my diagnosis?
Do not assume you must disclose a diagnosis. Documentation should be limited to what is appropriate for the workplace purpose and applicable process.
Does submitting a sick note guarantee that leave is approved?
No. An employer and applicable employment standards control workplace decisions. Clinically appropriate documentation does not guarantee an employment or leave result.
Related Resources
- [Doctor Note for Work](/doctor-note-for-work)
- [Ontario Sick Leave Guidance](/online-sick-note-ontario)
- [Alberta Sick Leave Guidance](/online-sick-note-alberta)
- [Canada Sick Leave Rules by Province](/blog/canadian-sick-leave-laws-2026-every-province)