Updated August 2026, Current Ontario ESA and CPSO telemedicine standards.
A sick note for university costs $49 from MedLetter with same-day delivery. Our CPSO/CPSBC/CPSA-registered physicians provide official medical documentation accepted by all Canadian universities for exam deferrals and assignment extensions — no appointment needed.
Looking for a sick note online Canada service? MedLetter provides sick note Alberta — get your online doctor sick note delivered same-day for $49. No clinic visit needed.
Need a sick note in Ontario? MedLetter provides official physician-signed documentation for $49 with same-day delivery. No walk-in clinic visit needed — submit in 2 minutes, receive your note by email. Valid for employers, universities, and insurance across Ontario.
Need a sick note in Ontario? MedLetter provides official physician-signed documentation for $49 with same-day delivery. No walk-in clinic visit needed — submit in 2 minutes, receive your note by email. Valid for employers, universities, and insurance across Ontario.
Need a sick note in Ontario? 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 Ontario.
University Sick Notes in Ontario: A Complete Guide
Missing an exam or deadline due to illness? Ontario universities each have their own policies for New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time.. Here's what you need to know.
University of Toronto (U of T)
Policy: U of T uses the Verification of Student Illness or Injury (VOI) form
- Must be completed by a physician or NP
- Submit within 2 business days of missed assessment
- Covers exam deferrals, assignment extensions, and late withdrawals
- Online sick notes from CPSO physicians are accepted
Key deadlines:
- Exam deferral: Within 1 week of missed exam
- Assignment extension: Before or on due date
- Late withdrawal: Within 5 days of last day of classes
York University
Policy: York requires a completed Attending Physician's Statement (APS)
- Must indicate dates of illness and functional impact
- Submit to your course director or department
- Accepted from any CPSO-registered physician
- Online documentation is valid
McMaster University
Policy: McMaster uses the McMaster Student Absence Form (MSAF)
- Self-reporting available for absences under 5 days (no note needed for first 3)
- Medical documentation required for absences over 5 days
- Submit through Mosaic student portal
- CPSO physician notes accepted
Western University
Policy: Western requires Student Medical Certificate (SMC)
- Must be completed by a physician
- Submit to Academic Counselling within 2 days
- Required for exam deferrals and Special Exam requests
- Online physician notes accepted with proper documentation
Queen's University
Policy: Queen's uses the Student Health Certificate
- Required for exam accommodations
- Submit to Faculty office
- Must indicate functional limitations
- Accepted from any regulated health professional
University of Waterloo
Policy: Waterloo requires the Verification of Illness Form (VIF)
- Submit to your academic advisor
- Required within 2 business days of missed assessment
- Online physician documentation accepted
- Must indicate inability to complete academic work
Getting a University Sick Note Online
MedLetter provides same day sick notes Accepted by Ontario universities:
- CPSO-registered physician review
- Formatted to meet university requirements
- Delivered digitally in same day
- $49 flat fee
- Available 7 days/week (including exam periods)
Tips for Students
1. Act quickly, Most universities have strict submission deadlines
2. Keep copies, Save digital copies of all documentation
3. Check your school's specific form, Some require their own template
4. Don't wait until you're better, Get documentation while you're sick
5. Know your rights, Universities must accommodate legitimate illness
Understanding the Working for Workers Act and ESA Section 50
While students are primarily governed by university policies, many students also work part-time. It's crucial to understand your rights under the Working for Workers Act and ESA Section 50 (Employment Standards Act). Under Ontario law, employees are entitled to sick leave, and employers cannot penalize you for taking legitimate time off for illness. Whether you work for a local cafe in Kitchener, a retail store in Mississauga (Square One, Port Credit, Streetsville, and Erin Mills), or major Ontario employers (including Shopify, TD Bank, RBC, Amazon, Loblaws, and government agencies) like Shopify, TD Bank, RBC, the Ontario Public Service, TTC, or OPG, your rights are protected.
Furthermore, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) has established clear telemedicine guidelines. This means that a virtual consultation is a legally recognized and medically sound way to obtain a sick note. You do not need to drag yourself to a walk-in clinic in Toronto or Hamilton when you are contagious or too ill to travel.
Weekend and Evening Options (Same-Day Options)
Illness doesn't operate on a 9-to-5 schedule. What happens when you wake up on a Sunday morning with a fever, and your exam is on Monday? Or when you realize at 8 PM that you cannot complete your assignment due at midnight?
The Panic Scenario: You're in London or Windsor, it's Sunday evening, and every walk-in clinic is closed. Your professor demands a note by tomorrow morning, or you fail the midterm. You called in sick without one, and now you're scrambling.
This is where MedLetter's Same-Day Options become a lifesaver. Our online service operates 7 days a week, including evenings and weekends. You can request a sick note from the comfort of your dorm room in Ottawa or your apartment in Brampton (Bramalea, Heart Lake, Springdale, and surrounding areas), ensuring you meet those strict university deadlines without the stress of finding an open clinic.
Comparing Your Options for a Sick Note in Ontario
When you need a sick note, you have a few choices. Here is a breakdown of how they compare:
| Option | Cost | Timeline | Convenience | Best For |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| MedLetter Online | $49 | Same-day (often within hours) | High (Do it from bed) | Urgent needs, weekends, evenings, avoiding waiting rooms |
| Walk-in Clinic | Varies (often $20-$50+ for the note itself, OHIP covers the visit) | Hours of waiting, depends on clinic hours | Low (Travel required, exposure to other sick people) | When you also need a physical examination or prescription |
| Family Doctor | Varies (often $20-$50+ for the note) | Days to weeks for an appointment | Medium (Requires travel, but you know the doctor) | Non-urgent situations, chronic conditions |
| Emergency Room | Free visit, note cost varies | 4-12+ hours of waiting | Very Low (High stress, long wait) | True medical emergencies ONLY |
Note: While OHIP covers the medical consultation at a clinic or family doctor, the physical sick note itself is an uninsured service, meaning doctors will charge a fee for writing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a sick note for a missed exam in Ontario?
Yes. Ontario universities accept sick notes from licensed physicians for exam deferrals and academic accommodations.
How quickly do I need a sick note for an exam deferral?
Most Ontario universities require documentation within 3-5 business days of the missed exam. Online services provide same-day notes.
Will my Ontario university accept an online sick note?
Yes. Major Ontario universities (U of T, York, McMaster, Western, Queen's, Waterloo) accept sick notes from any licensed physician.
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.
What if my boss or professor demands a sick note by tomorrow morning, but it's Sunday night?
This is a common panic scenario. Because traditional clinics are closed, your best option is an online service like MedLetter, which offers Weekend and Evening Options. You can submit your request online and receive a valid, CPSO-compliant sick note the same day, ensuring you meet your Monday morning deadline.
Do I need a sick note if I work part-time while studying?
If you need time off from your part-time job, your employer may ask for a sick note. Under the Working for Workers Act and ESA Section 50, you have rights regarding sick leave. Major Ontario employers (including Shopify, TD Bank, RBC, Amazon, Loblaws, and government agencies) (like Shopify, TD Bank, RBC, TTC, OPG) and local businesses in cities like Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, London, Kitchener, and Windsor all must adhere to these provincial standards.
Is an online sick note legally valid in Ontario?
Absolutely. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) has established telemedicine guidelines that allow licensed physicians to assess patients and issue medical certificates virtually. As long as the note is from a CPSO-registered physician, it is valid for both universities and employers across Ontario.
How much does a sick note cost in Ontario?
The cost varies. While your medical visit might be covered by OHIP, the note itself is an uninsured service. Clinics and family doctors typically charge between $20 and $50+. MedLetter offers a transparent $49 flat fee for a same-day online sick note, saving you the time and hassle of a clinic visit.
Related: Sick Note Ontario, Complete City Guide | Ontario Sick Note Cost 2026 | How to Get a Sick Note for Work in Ontario