The federal government will spend nearly $3 million to learn why skilled immigrants have trouble finding the right jobs.

The study, to be led by the University of Ottawa, will attempt to identify barriers encountered by immigrants and figure out strategies to overcome them, said Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Monte Solberg.

"Bridging the gap will benefit both newcomers and businesses. On the one hand, it will help tear down barriers that block entry into the workforce," Solberg said. "On the other, it will increase awareness of multicultural issues amongst small- and medium-sized enterprises."

Solberg said the study will consult skilled immigrants, hiring professionals and owners of small- and medium-sized businesses.

But NDP MP Olivia Chow, the deputy immigration critic for the party, said the issue doesn't need another study.

"Everyone knows what the barriers are. Having another study is blatantly unfair for new immigrants waiting.

"We know what works. What the federal government needs to do is release the funds that are already in the budget."

The announcement comes as a new study was released Wednesday on foreign educational credentials.

The survey found that nearly 50 per cent of visible minority respondents with foreign educational credentials felt their employers did not recognize their credentials as being on par with Canadian equivalent degrees, diplomas or certificates.

The survey was based on the responses of more than 6,000 executives and managers of Canadian corporations.