Format and Generator for Leave Applications

Enter your dates and details to create a polite leave application for your manager. Choose the leave type, then copy, email, or download it as a PDF.

Style

Empty fields show as [placeholders] you can fill in later. What you type stays in your browser.

Your letter

[Date of the letter] [Manager's name] [Company name] Subject: Application for sick leave from [First day of leave] to [Last day of leave] Dear [Manager's name], I am writing to request sick leave for [Number of days], from [First day of leave] to [Last day of leave], because I am unwell and need time to rest and recover. [More detail] I have briefed [Colleague covering for you], who will take care of any urgent matters during my absence. I will catch up on my pending work once I return, and I can provide a medical certificate if needed. If you need to reach me, I am available at [Contact during leave]. Thank you for your understanding. Yours sincerely, [Your name] [Your job title]
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Leave application samples

Words in [brackets] are what you replace. The generator above fills them in for you.

Sick leave

[Date of the letter] [Manager's name] [Company name] Subject: Application for sick leave from [First day of leave] to [Last day of leave] Dear [Manager's name], I am writing to request sick leave for [Number of days], from [First day of leave] to [Last day of leave], because I am unwell and need time to rest and recover. [More detail] I have briefed [Colleague covering for you], who will take care of any urgent matters during my absence. I will catch up on my pending work once I return, and I can provide a medical certificate if needed. If you need to reach me, I am available at [Contact during leave]. Thank you for your understanding. Yours sincerely, [Your name] [Your job title]

Casual or personal leave

[Date of the letter] [Manager's name] [Company name] Subject: Application for casual leave from [First day of leave] to [Last day of leave] Dear [Manager's name], I would like to request casual leave for [Number of days], from [First day of leave] to [Last day of leave], to manage some personal matters. [More detail] Before my leave, I will finish any urgent tasks and inform the team about anything pending, and [Colleague covering for you] has agreed to cover for me during my absence. If there is anything that requires my attention, you can reach me at [Contact during leave]. I would appreciate it if you could approve my leave. Thank you for considering my request. Yours sincerely, [Your name] [Your job title]

Family emergency

[Date of the letter] [Manager's name] [Company name] Subject: Urgent leave request: family emergency, [First day of leave] to [Last day of leave] Dear [Manager's name], Due to a family emergency, I need to take leave for [Number of days], from [First day of leave] to [Last day of leave]. [More detail] Please accept my apologies for the short notice. I have asked [Colleague covering for you] to handle any urgent matters, and I have provided them with details of my pending work. If I require more time off, I will inform you as soon as possible. For any urgent issues, you can reach me at [Contact during leave]. Thank you for your understanding and support. Yours sincerely, [Your name] [Your job title]

Leave extension

[Date of the letter] [Manager's name] [Company name] Subject: Request to extend my leave until [Last day of leave] Dear [Manager's name], I am currently on leave and would like to request an extension of [Number of days], from [First day of leave] to [Last day of leave]. [More detail] I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. I have confirmed with [Colleague covering for you] that they can continue to manage my urgent work. I will return to work on the first working day following [Last day of leave] and will immediately address any pending tasks. Until then, I can be reached at [Contact during leave]. Thank you for your understanding. Yours sincerely, [Your name] [Your job title]

Tips

  • If you plan leave, apply as early as you can, and check both your leave balance and policy first.
  • In case of sickness or an emergency, call or message your manager early on the first day, and then send the application.
  • Saying you're unwell is enough unless a certificate is required by your company's policy.
  • If you need more leave, send the request before your current leave ends, and include only the extra days.
  • Mention a colleague who can handle urgent tasks to help with leave approval.
  • If your company has an HR system for leave, apply there as well, as the letter doesn't replace it.

When to Use the Leave Application Generator

Before you start a new job on Careerwood Jobs, think about your upcoming commitments. Use our leave application tool when you need to plan time off in advance. It's helpful even before accepting an offer, to be sure your leave plans are clear to your potential employer.

After you've started your job search, and you receive an offer, use this tool to prepare your leave request. You can then share it with your current employer once timing is right. It fits smoothly into your job application process, letting you focus on your new role while keeping everything transparent.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to write a leave application?
Write it to your manager, specify the leave type, give the dates and duration, include a brief reason, and mention who will handle urgent tasks. Sign it with your name and job title.
Do I need to provide a reason for taking leave?
It's typical to give a short reason. For personal leave, saying "to attend to some personal matters" is enough. Sick leave doesn't require details about your illness.
Is it okay to submit a leave application by email?
Yes, it's acceptable for most employers to receive leave requests by email. In emergencies, you can call or message first, then send an email later.
How are casual leave and sick leave different?
Casual leave is for short personal needs and is typically planned in advance. Sick leave is specifically for illness. Names, days, and rules can differ by employer, so refer to your leave policy.

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