Hold Timelines
The length of the hold period can vary depending on the location of the issuing financial institution. In general, the period of time required to verify if there are sufficient funds available in the account at the other financial institution is:
Four (4) business days after the day of the deposit if the cheque or other negotiable item is deposited in person with an employee at one of our branches or points of service and is in Canadian dollars, drawn on a Canadian branch of a Canadian financial institution. For USD cheques drawn on a Canadian financial institution the hold period remain at 5 business days.
Five (5) business days after the day of deposit if the cheque or other negotiable item is deposited in any other manner, such as at an Automated Teller Machine (ATM). for cheques and other negotiable items in Canadian dollars, drawn on a Canadian branch of a Canadian financial institution
Fifteen (15) business days after the first business day of deposit for cheques and other negotiable items drawn on a U.S. Bank
Twenty-five (25) business days after the first business day of deposit for cheques and other negotiable items drawn on foreign banks other than U.S.
Source: http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/products/deposits/hold-policy.html