SSHRC holders: depositing checks?

[ltam]

Question to any Canadian SSHRC holders studying in the US: what is the easiest method for depositing your SSHRC instalments? I understand they are mailed to your foreign address in the appropriate foreign currency, but I read that checks from foreign banks can take a long time to get processed at a US bank (45 days?).

Obviously the smart thing to do is have a cash reserve ready when I move to the US in USD to settle initial housing costs, etc but it'd be good to know how any of you expats manage Canadian sources of funding while abroad.

Thanks!