Updated August 2026, Current BC Employment Standards and CPSBC telemedicine guidelines.
To defer an exam due to illness in Canada, you need a sick note from a licensed physician confirming you were medically unable to attend. MedLetter provides same-day documentation for $49 — accepted by all Canadian universities for exam deferrals, assignment extensions, and missed labs.
Also available: Alberta Sick Notes | Ontario Sick Notes | Canada-Wide Guide
Related Resources
- BC Sick Note Guide
- Vancouver Sick Notes
- BC Exam Deferral Guide
- New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time.
UBC Exam Deferral: Medical Documentation Guide (2026)
The University of British Columbia (UBC), with campuses in Vancouver and Kelowna (Okanagan), has updated its exam deferral policies significantly. With 70,000+ students, understanding these requirements is essential.
UBC's Self-Declaration Policy
UBC has moved toward a self-declaration model for many absences, reducing the need for doctor's notes:
What self-declaration covers:
- Short-term illness (1-5 days)
- Minor medical issues
- Some midterm absences (faculty-dependent)
- Available through the Student Service Centre (SSC)
What self-declaration does NOT cover:
- Final exams (Academic Concession required)
- Extended absences (more than 3-5 days)
- Repeated absences in the same course
- Some faculties with stricter requirements
When You Need a Doctor's Note at UBC
Situations requiring medical documentation:
- Missing a final exam (Academic Concession)
- Extended illness (more than 3-5 consecutive days)
- Multiple absences in the same term
- Requesting a late withdrawal for medical reasons
- Some professional programs (Medicine, Law, Pharmacy)
Academic Concession at UBC
For final exams and significant assessments, you need to apply for Academic Concession through your faculty's advising office:
UBC Vancouver faculties:
- Arts: Arts Academic Advising
- Science: Science Advising
- Engineering: Engineering Student Services
- Commerce (Sauder): Sauder Undergraduate Office
- Applied Science: APSC Student Services
UBC Okanagan:
- All faculties: Student Services (UNC building)
Getting Medical Documentation During Exam Season
During December and April exams, Vancouver's healthcare options are strained:
| Option | Wait Time | Cost | Accepted by UBC? |
|--------|-----------|------|-------------------|
| UBC Student Health | 1-5 day wait | Free (included in fees) | Yes |
| Walk-in clinic (Vancouver) | 3-6 hours | $30-$50 for note | Yes |
| TELUS Health MyCare | 1-4 hours | $20-$40 for note | Yes |
| MedLetter | 2-4 hours (no wait) | $49 | Yes (CPSBC-registered) |
Self-Declaration vs. Medical Documentation
| Feature | Self-Declaration | Medical Documentation |
|---------|-----------------|----------------------|
| Documentation needed | None (online form) | CPSBC-registered physician |
| Duration covered | 1-5 days typically | Any duration |
| Use per term | Limited (varies by faculty) | Unlimited |
| Final exams | No | Yes (Academic Concession) |
| Available on | SSC | Faculty advising office |
| Processing time | Immediate | 1-3 weeks |
Faculty-Specific Notes
Sauder School of Business:
- Stricter documentation requirements than most faculties
- May require medical documentation for midterms
- Contact Sauder UGO for specific policies
Faculty of Medicine:
- Very strict requirements
- Must notify the MD Program immediately
- May require documentation from specific providers
Faculty of Engineering:
- Standard self-declaration for short absences
- Lab components may have separate policies
- Contact your department's undergraduate office
Faculty of Science:
- Generally accepts self-declaration for short absences
- Final exams always require Academic Concession with documentation
Tips for UBC Students
1. Use self-declaration first, if eligible, it is faster and requires no documentation
2. Check your faculty's specific policies, they vary significantly
3. Apply for Academic Concession early, do not wait until grades are posted
4. Keep copies of everything, save digital copies of all submissions
5. Contact your faculty advisor, they can guide you through the process
6. UBC Student Health is free, but book early during exam season
UBC Okanagan Differences
The Okanagan campus has slightly different procedures:
- Smaller campus = shorter wait times at Student Health
- Fewer walk-in clinic options in Kelowna
- Same Academic Concession process through Student Services
- Self-declaration available through SSC (same system)
Key Takeaway
UBC's self-declaration policy covers most short-term absences without needing a doctor's note. For final exams and extended absences, you need medical documentation through the Academic Concession process. During exam season when UBC Student Health is overwhelmed, MedLetter provides same-day documentation from a CPSBC-registered physician that meets UBC's requirements.
Urgent Scenarios: When You Need a Note Now
Life doesn't always happen during regular clinic hours. Here are common situations where you might urgently need a sick note:
- Your boss is demanding a note by tomorrow: You called in sick, and your employer requires documentation before you return to work.
- You called in sick without one: You thought you'd recover quickly, but now you need proof of your illness.
- Weekend or evening illness: You're sick when most walk-in clinics are closed, and you need documentation for an exam or work shift.
- You're too sick to leave home: You can't physically make it to a clinic, but you still need a note.
In these urgent situations, an online service like MedLetter can provide a same-day sick note from a CPSBC-registered physician, ensuring you meet your employer's or university's requirements without the stress of waiting in a clinic.
BC-Specific Details
When seeking medical documentation in British Columbia, it's important to understand the local landscape:
- Cities: Whether you're in Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Victoria, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Kamloops, or Prince George, you can access online sick note services.
- Employers: Major BC employers like BC Hydro, ICBC, Telus, Lululemon, BC Ferries, Vancouver Coastal Health, and Fraser Health all have specific policies regarding sick leave and medical documentation.
- Institutions: The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) regulates medical practice, including telemedicine guidelines. The Medical Services Plan (MSP) covers many medical services, but sick notes are often an uninsured service. The BC Employment Standards Act outlines your rights regarding sick leave, and WorkSafeBC handles workplace injuries. The BC Human Rights Tribunal can address issues related to discrimination based on medical conditions.
BC Employment Standards Act and Sick Leave
Under the BC Employment Standards Act, eligible employees are entitled to 5 paid sick days and 3 unpaid sick days per year. This applies to full-time, part-time, temporary, and casual employees who have worked for their employer for at least 90 days.
Employers can request reasonable proof of illness, which is where a sick note comes in. If you need documentation to access your paid sick days, an online service can provide a quick and convenient solution.
CPSBC Telemedicine Guidelines
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) has established guidelines for telemedicine, ensuring that virtual care meets the same standards as in-person care. This means that a sick note obtained through a legitimate online service like MedLetter, provided by a CPSBC-registered physician, is just as valid as one obtained from a walk-in clinic.
Internal Links
- New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time.
- Learn More About BC Sick Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a sick note for a missed exam in BC?
Yes. BC universities accept sick notes from licensed physicians for exam deferrals and academic accommodations.
Will UBC, SFU, or UVic accept an online sick note?
Yes. Major BC universities accept sick notes from any CPSBC-licensed physician, including those providing virtual care.
How quickly do I need a sick note for an exam deferral in BC?
Most BC universities require documentation within 3-5 business days of the missed exam. Online services provide same-day notes.
What if I was sick but did not see a doctor on the exam day?
A physician can still assess your reported symptoms and provide documentation. Get your note as soon as possible after the illness.
Is an online sick note valid for work in BC?
Yes, an online sick note from a CPSBC-registered physician is valid for work purposes in BC, including accessing your 5 paid sick days under the BC Employment Standards Act.
How much does a sick note cost in BC?
The cost of a sick note varies. Walk-in clinics typically charge $30-$50, while online services like MedLetter charge $49 for same-day delivery.
Can my employer refuse a sick note from an online service?
As long as the sick note is provided by a licensed physician (e.g., CPSBC-registered), employers generally must accept it as reasonable proof of illness.
Related: Sick Note Vancouver | Sick Note Surrey | Online Sick Note BC
Ready to get your sick note?
Step-by-Step: How to Defer Your Exam When Sick
- Get your sick note immediately — Most universities require documentation within 48 hours to 5 business days of the missed exam. MedLetter delivers same-day for $49.
- Contact your registrar or professor — Email them ASAP, even before you have the note. Say: "I was ill and unable to attend. Medical documentation to follow."
- Submit the deferral request — Complete your school's online deferral form and attach the medical documentation.
- Confirm receipt — Follow up to ensure your request was received and accepted.
Skip the BC Walk-In Clinic Wait
BC walk-in clinics charge $20-50 for a sick note with 2-5 hour waits — and many Vancouver clinics have stopped accepting walk-ins entirely. With 900,000+ British Columbians without a family doctor, the healthcare system is strained. MedLetter delivers official physician documentation for $49, same-day. No Medimap refreshing, no driving across the Lower Mainland looking for an open clinic.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
Most universities give you 2-5 business days to submit medical documentation after a missed exam. If you miss this deadline:
- You may receive a grade of 0 on the exam
- Some schools allow late submissions with a valid reason — contact your advisor immediately
- A same-day sick note from MedLetter ensures you never miss the deadline
New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time. — delivered same-day by a licensed Canadian physician.