Exam Deferral Sick Note Canada

Last reviewed and updated: July 2026 by a licensed Canadian physician

Get a same-day sick note for your exam deferral at any Canadian university. Licensed physicians. Accepted by UofA, UofT, UBC, and all schools. $49 flat fee.

How to Defer an Exam with a Sick Note in Canada

When illness prevents you from writing a university exam, most Canadian institutions allow you to defer to a later date with proper medical documentation. MedLetter provides same-day sick notes accepted by every university in Canada for $49. Our notes are issued by licensed physicians registered with provincial colleges (CPSA, CPSO, CPSBC, CPSS, CPSM, CPSNS, CPSNB, CPSPEI, CPSNL).

Step-by-Step: How Exam Deferral Works

  1. Recognize you are too ill to write your exam
  2. Submit a 2-minute form on MedLetter describing your symptoms
  3. A licensed physician reviews your request and issues your sick note same day
  4. Download your signed medical note from your email
  5. Submit the note to your university registrar or faculty office before the deadline

Exam Deferral by Province

ProvinceMajor UniversitiesTypical DeadlineLink
AlbertaUofA, UofC, MRU, MacEwan, SAIT, NAIT3-5 business daysAlberta Exam Deferral
OntarioUofT, Western, McMaster, Queen's, York, Waterloo3-7 business daysOntario Exam Deferral
British ColumbiaUBC, SFU, UVic, BCIT, KPU48 hours - 7 daysBC Exam Deferral
SaskatchewanUSask, U of Regina, Sask Polytechnic3-5 business daysSaskatchewan Exam Deferral
ManitobaU of M, U of Winnipeg, Brandon, Red River48 hours - 5 daysManitoba Exam Deferral
Nova ScotiaDalhousie, SMU, StFX, Acadia, CBU3-5 business daysNova Scotia Exam Deferral
New BrunswickUNB, UdeM, Mount Allison, STU3-5 business daysNew Brunswick Exam Deferral
PEIUPEI, Holland College48 hours - 5 daysPEI Exam Deferral
NewfoundlandMUN, Grenfell, CNA48 hours - 5 daysNewfoundland Exam Deferral

University-Specific Exam Deferral Guides

Ontario Universities

British Columbia Universities

Alberta Universities

Other Provinces

What Your Sick Note Includes

Why Students Choose MedLetter for Exam Deferrals

FeatureMedLetterWalk-In ClinicER Visit
Cost$49 flat feeFree (OHIP) but $20-50 for noteFree but 4-8 hour wait
Wait TimeSame day (hours)2-4 hours in clinic4-12 hours
Available When SickYes - from bedMust travel while illMust travel while ill
Weekend/HolidayYes - 24/7Limited hoursYes but extreme wait
Accepted by UniversitiesAll Canadian universitiesYesYes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a sick note after my exam has already passed?

Yes. MedLetter can issue a sick note for a recent illness even if the exam date has passed, as long as you were genuinely ill on the exam day. Most universities accept notes submitted within 3-7 days of the missed exam.

Will my university accept an online sick note?

Yes. All Canadian universities accept sick notes from licensed physicians regardless of whether the consultation was in-person or virtual. MedLetter notes are issued by physicians registered with provincial medical colleges.

How quickly can I get my sick note?

MedLetter delivers most sick notes within hours of submission. Same-day delivery is standard, so you can submit your deferral paperwork before your university deadline.

What if my university has a specific form?

Many universities (like McMaster's MSAF or Western's Academic Consideration) have their own forms. MedLetter provides a standalone medical note that satisfies the medical documentation requirement. For universities requiring physician completion of specific forms, contact us and we can accommodate.

Can I defer multiple exams with one sick note?

Yes, if your illness spans multiple exam dates. Your MedLetter sick note will specify the dates of illness, and you can use it to defer all exams that fall within that period.

Is this legitimate? Will I get in trouble?

MedLetter is a legitimate medical service operated by licensed Canadian physicians. Our notes are real medical documents issued after physician review. Using a legitimate sick note for a genuine illness is completely appropriate and legal.

Get Your Exam Deferral Sick Note Now - $49

Sick Notes & Doctor Notes Across Canada