Get an online doctor's note for work or school in minutes
Skip the travel and long waits in a walk-in clinic, and get an online doctor’s note from your home. Our licensed Canadian doctors are available around the clock to assess your symptoms and provide a real doctor’s note for work and school with a signature.
- Every medical note is doctor-signed
- Sick notes delivered straight to your inbox
- Doctor’s note complies with the regulations of your employers and schools
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Why choose us for a signed, real doctor's note for work or school in Canada?
Available 24/7
Request a sick note at any time that suits you. You can reach out to us 24/7 from your phone, tablet, or computer.
Accepted by employers & schools
Every note carries the clinic letterhead & physician’s licence number, which makes it easy for employers and schools to verify.
Secure
We are PIPEDA compliant and ensure that your personal health information is safe.
Instant delivery
Once the doctor approves your sick leave, your note will be delivered to your email. There’s no need to drive somewhere to pick up a letter.
How to get a doctor's note for work and school quickly — 3 simple steps
Consult with a virtual GP through our telehealth app and get an online doctor's note in under 5 minutes, if medically appropriate.
Describe your symptoms
Register on our website, and briefly explain your issue. This helps the doctor understand your situation.
Chat with a doctor
Talk to a licensed doctor within 5 minutes via secure chat or video. You can discuss your symptoms, ask the doctor your questions, and share photos or other relevant information.
Receive your sick note
If medically appropriate, the note is emailed to you so that you can download or forward it to your school or employer. Our doctors will let you know if you need an in-person exam to get a sick note.
Common reasons to request a doctor's excuse for work or school
You might need a doctor’s note for injury, illness, or other circumstances that temporarily prevent you from working or attending classes. A doctor will provide you a note:
To confirm you’re taking time to rest and recover from a cold or flu while helping protect coworkers or classmates from getting sick.
To certify a short-term stress leave so you can recharge and address mental health needs without guilt.
Take leave to manage your nausea, morning sickness, back pain, and other symptoms during pregnancy.
To document a migraine episode when severe pain, light sensitivity, or nausea made it impossible to work or study.
To support modified duties or a brief leave after a workplace injury (e.g., a back strain) that temporarily limits your physical abilities.
To cover time off needed for a chronic illness flare (such as asthma or diabetes) or to attend a specialist appointment or treatment.
To validate that you needed a short recovery period after a minor surgery, dental procedure, sprain, etc., before safely returning to your duties.
To document sudden episodes of hypo or hyperglycemia that required immediate care before you could resume regular activities.
Who can get an online doctor's note from us?
Working professionals
Whether you caught the flu, ate something bad, or need a mental health day, our physician can evaluate you and provide a verifiable doctor's note for your employer.
Students
We’ll assess your symptoms and issue a legitimate doctor’s note to excuse you from classes, labs, or exams.
Caregiver
Caring for a sick child or family member? Get a real doctor's note for work and school when you need to take care of a family member.
Need a doctor's note in Canada? We're online 24/7.
Getting a simple doctor’s note in Canada has become unexpectedly difficult for millions of people. As of 2025, over 6 million Canadians lack a family doctor, a number confirmed by the Canadian Medical Association, which warns that Canada is short roughly 22,000–23,000 family physicians.
Your Doctors Online eliminates the delays, travel, and uncertainty tied to traditional clinics. Through its secure virtual-care platform, Canadians can connect with a licensed doctor 24/7 to discuss symptoms and receive a verified online doctor’s note when medically appropriate.
Why Your Doctors Online is best for doctor's notes
Urgent care doctor's note for work
Do you work in healthcare, institutes, industries, transportation, or retail companies? Sometimes, you need a doctor’s note urgently. For instance, you're feeling down, have to care for a family member at home, or need to leave for a doctor's appointment.
Our virtual care is available 24/7. After discussing your symptoms, a provider will give you a signed note that can be used to excuse your absence from work right away.
Fast & convenient way to get a real urgent care doctor's note for school
If you’re looking for a quick and simple way to get a doctor’s note for school, Your Doctors Online is the answer. Getting a valid doctor's note for school is easier than ever.
No need to book doctor appointments or travel long distances for clinic visits. Just connect with a Canadian-licensed healthcare provider within 5 minutes, and you’ll have a signed note to submit to your school.
Our medical team will evaluate the patient via video visit and, if needed, suggest appropriate treatment or prescriptions.
How do medical appointments work when you need a real doctor's note for work?
When you need to take time off from work, an authentic doctor's note can be essential to avoid complications with your employer. Getting a legitimate doctor's excuse for work is simple with Your Doctors Online. no long wait times or in-clinic visits required.
The process is simple:
- Schedule your appointment
- Explain your symptoms
- Receive a signed doctor’s note
What medical conditions commonly require a note for school?
Flu-like symptoms, strep throat, pink eye (conjunctivitis), and migraines are some of the most common reasons students need time away from school in Canada.
Our virtual care supports your child's recovery with a real doctor's note for school. Parents can also get documentation when a child misses classes, labs, or exams, as Canadian schools often ask for a note after multiple absences or for return-to-school clearance.
If symptoms are severe or worsening, an in-person evaluation may be required.
Frequently asked questions
How fast can I get a note in Canada?
It depends on where you are getting the sick note from. A walk-in clinic may require a few hours to start your consultation. In contrast, virtual healthcare can get you a doctor’s note within minutes. With online doctor visits, you will get a sick note in less than 5 minutes. Here is how:
- Register on Your Doctors Online
- Share your symptoms
- Talk to an online doctor
- Get a signed, real doctor’s note for work/school
When can I get an online doctor’s note in Canada?
You can get a doctor’s note from a primary care or urgent care provider for a short-term need. Short-term doctor’s notes can be required for seasonal illnesses, medical appointments, pregnancy-related check-ups, stress, and more.
What is a doctor’s note for work or school?
A doctor’s note is a written statement indicating that a certified doctor evaluated you and that you need time off work. A doctor’s note for school or work contains the following information:
- Date of consultation
- Duration of the absence
- Doctor’s name, qualification, licensing number, and signature
- Note stating your symptoms (if required)
- Clinic’s information
Are online doctors' notes legitimate for work?
Yes, online doctor’s notes issued by licensed Canadian physicians are legitimate and generally accepted by employers. They are real medical certificates signed and usually include the doctor’s information for verification.
- If your condition requires a physical examination
- Your employer specifically asks for an in-person doctor’s consultation
Can I return to work without a note?
It depends solely on your company’s leave protocol and your employer’s requirements. A return-to-work doctor’s note is required as legal proof of your absence from work.
What should a return to work note say?
A return-to-work note is often required in the professional setting. It reminds your supervisor about the reason for your absence from work, confirms the date you will rejoin work, and any follow-ups required for your medical condition.
Do I have to pay to get a doctor’s note online?
Since doctor’s notes are an uninsured service, you will need to pay to receive a valid note. While the exact cost depends on your chosen telehealth platform, Your Doctors Online offers an affordable and quick option to save you time to recover.
Can I get a backdated sick note online?
A backdated sick note can only be issued by a licensed physician who can reasonably verify that you were unwell on the specified date. This may include your family doctor, an urgent care provider, or a virtual healthcare provider like Your Doctors Online. Our doctors only issue a backdated note if the condition is ongoing.
Can I get an urgent care doctor's note for mental health leave?
Yes, you can get a mental health leave of absence with Your Doctors Online without travelling or waiting hours in walk-in clinics. All you have to do is share your medical history and get your sick notes instantly.
Can you get a doctor's note without being seen?
No, it is not possible to get a real sick note without a health assessment. But you can skip an in-person visit to a doctor’s office by choosing telehealth care, such as Your Doctors Online.
Can a doctor refuse to provide a sick note?
Yes, a doctor may refuse to provide a sick note in certain situations. For example, if a patient is unable to provide the necessary information or request a fake doctor’s note.
Can I get a real doctor's note for work filled out from a virtual care?
Yes, our board-certified physicians can legally provide a telehealth sick note. A doctor will evaluate you by video/audio/text to determine if a note is appropriate according to your conditions.
How to get a sick note for food poisoning?
You can get a verifiable doctor’s excuse for food poisoning through Your Doctors Online within 5 minutes. Create an account, get connected with a doctor, explain your symptoms, and get a sick note at the doctor’s discretion.
Get a telehealth doctor's note from Canadian-licensed healthcare providers
Dr. Asim Cheema is a board-certified Cardiology and Internal Medicine specialist with nearly 30+ years of clinical experience. He has been operating as an independent practitioner since 2001. He has worked at several leading healthcare institutions in Ontario, including Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket and St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. He focuses on the diagnosis, management, and long-term care of complex cardiovascular and internal medicine conditions.
For more than eleven years, Dr. Marsha Dunkley has been committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive medical care to patients across Ontario, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia. Her clinical experience spans chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol and acute illnesses, including the common cold, seasonal allergies, influenza, and COVID-19.
Dr. Sohail Cheema is a seasoned pediatrician with 30+ years of experience. A 1987 graduate of Nishtar Medical College, he’s recognized for patient-centered care and clear communication. He's a member of the Royal College of Physicians (UK & Ireland) and certified in Ontario. He practices at Halton Healthcare – Georgetown and St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto.
Dr. Mandy Leideman offers telehealth services and chronic care consultations to patients, whether insured or uninsured. With 30+ years of experience in general practice, she now focuses on long-term care and chronic disease prevention. Dr. Leideman is affiliated with several professional organizations, including the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, the Canadian College of Family Physicians, and the Canadian Medical Association.
Dr. Kieran Kettyls is a compassionate family physician who specializes in bariatric medicine, women’s health, and in-office procedures. Originally from Calgary, Alberta, he pursued his medical education and training internationally. He provides virtual care for patients across Alberta and British Columbia. He developed an AHS-covered weight loss program focusing on personalized care for obesity, metabolic, and hormonal health.
Have questions about Your Doctors Online?
What is Your Doctors Online?
Your Doctors Online is a 24/7 virtual clinic that connects you with licensed doctors through secure chat, audio, or video. You can get medical advice, prescriptions, lab requisitions, and doctor’s notes from your phone or computer—without going to a walk-in clinic.
How fast can I talk to a doctor?
Very fast. Our goal is to connect you to our clinical team in under a minute, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The connection is less than 30 seconds, and there is no need to book days or weeks in advance.
Are your doctors licensed?
Yes. All supervising physicians on Your Doctors Online are fully licensed in the regions where they practice. They follow the same standards of care as in-person clinics and must comply with their provincial or state medical college or board.
What kind of issues can you help with?
We can help with most concerns you’d normally bring to a family doctor or walk-in clinic, such as:
- Cough, cold, flu, fever
- UTIs and other infections
- Skin issues (rashes, acne, sores)
- Stomach problems (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation)
- Allergies
- Mild mental health concerns (anxiety, low mood)
- Medication questions, refills, and side effects
If we can’t safely manage your condition online, we’ll tell you and advise where to go next.
When should I not use Your Doctors Online?
We’re not for emergencies. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Chest pain or trouble breathing
- Signs of stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty)
- Severe injury or major bleeding
- Sudden, severe pain
- Thoughts of self-harm or harming others
We also don’t prescribe controlled substances (like narcotics or benzodiazepines) and may redirect you to in-person care when needed.
Can you prescribe medications?
Yes. Doctors on our platform can prescribe most medications when it’s medically appropriate. Prescriptions are sent directly to your preferred pharmacy, and in many cases you can also get home delivery, depending on local pharmacy options. We do not prescribe controlled substances (for example, narcotics, opioids, or certain stimulant medications).
Can you order lab tests and imaging?
Yes. Doctors can provide lab requisitions (e.g., for bloodwork, urine tests, some imaging like X-rays or ultrasounds) when medically indicated. You take the requisition to a local lab or imaging center, and the results are sent back to be reviewed with you.
Can you see my children or other family members?
Yes. With our family-friendly plans, you can use your account to get care for yourself and eligible family members (for example, your children or spouse) as allowed by your plan. You’ll be able to choose who the visit is for when you start a consultation.
Is my information private and secure?
Yes. Your privacy is a top priority. We use strong encryption and store data securely in compliance with healthcare privacy laws in the regions we serve. Your information is never shared with employers or third parties without your consent, except where required by law or for your care (for example, sending prescriptions or lab orders).
