Direct Deposit - Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is direct deposit?
2. What are the advantages?
3. How do I apply?
4. Can I use direct deposit for accounts in other countries?
5. When will I receive my first payment?
6. Can I deposit amounts into separate accounts?
7. What if I need to change my bank information or cancel the direct deposit service?
8. What if I don't receive a payment?
9. What if I don't want to use direct deposit?

1. What is direct deposit?

Direct deposit is a system we use to automatically deposit your Visiting Fellowship payment into your bank account every month.

2. What are the advantages?

• It makes it easier to manage your personal budget as you know the exact date of the deposit into your bank account.
• It's secure - there's no risk that your payment will be lost, stolen or damaged.
• If you're sick, on vacation or traveling, you will still get your payment automatically.
• It saves money for Canadian taxpayers, since we have to print and mail fewer cheques.
• It eliminates the need for trips to the financial institutions and waiting in line to deposit cheques.
• It's environmentally friendly.

3. How do I apply?

Please complete the Direct Deposit Enrolment Form and return it to NSERC at the following address:

NSERC
Finance Division (Direct deposit)
350 Albert Street
P.O. Box 1610
Ottawa, ON
K1A 1H5

You can speed up this process by faxing your enrolment form with a copy of your void cheque (if you choose your chequing account) to 613-996-0458.

For questions on how to complete the form, please contact our payment clerk at:

Tel.: 613-992-9245
Fax: 613-996-0458

4. Can I use direct deposit for accounts in other countries?

No, you can only directly deposit your Visiting Fellowship payment to financial institutions in Canada.

5. When will I receive my first payment?

For the first payment of the first year of your fellowship you will be issued a cheque by mail.

If you choose to sign up for direct deposit payments, all subsequent payments will be deposited on the 15th day of each month into your bank account, provided that all necessary enrolment documents have been received. If the 15th is on a weekend or holiday, your payment will be processed on the next business day.

If you send us your direct deposit enrolment form by fax, we can usually start your direct deposit payment the next month.

If you send us your direct deposit enrolment form by mail, you should receive your first direct deposit payment within two months.

6. Can I deposit amounts into separate accounts?

Unfortunately, we can’t split your Visiting Fellowship payment between two accounts.

7. What if I need to change my bank information or cancel the direct deposit service?

To change your bank information, please complete the enrolment form in the same way you applied – either by mail or by fax and tick the “change’’ box. In addition, make sure you do not close the old bank account before we deposit the payment into the new bank account.

To cancel the direct deposit service, please fax or mail us a note indicating you wish to cancel your direct deposit.

8. What if I don't receive a payment?

You should check with the people at your financial institution first. If they can't answer your questions, you can contact us five banking days after the payment was supposed to go into your account. We will look into the matter and make sure you get your payment.

9. What if I don't want to use direct deposit?

Although we encourage you to use direct deposit, if you choose not to participate in this payment method we will still send you a cheque at your department address every month.