International students will be allowed to stay in the UK for two years after graduating from a UK university so they can find a job, according to new proposals announced by the Home Office.

The move is set to reverse Theresa May’s 2012 policy that is currently still in effect, which forces overseas students to leave four months after finishing a degree.

According to BBC News, the change will apply to international students in the UK who start courses at undergraduate level or above from next year onwards. Last year there were approximately 450,000 international students.

The international students must be studying at an institution with a track record in upholding immigration checks. Under the proposals, there is no restriction on the kinds of jobs students would have to seek and no cap on numbers.

In a tweet, Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid said the announcement was “about time”, adding that the government “should have reversed this silly policy years ago. Britain should always be open to the best talent from across the world.”

Stephen Isherwood, Chief Executive of the Institute of Student Employers, said: “We welcome the news that the two-year post study visa is to be reinstated. Employers operate in a global economy and it is important that our universities reflect this by attracting the best international talent."

“A visa system that is competitive is a key tool in enabling our universities to compete globally,” Isherwood said. “It also enhances opportunities for our home-grown talent by having more international programmes based in the UK as well as helps them to develop a global mindset through exposure to an international community on campus. We look forward to hearing more detail on how the system will operate and when it will come into force to minimise confusion with employers, students and universities.”