Post-study work visas should be reinstated for some overseas graduates in the UK, the Liberal Democrats have said.
The visas would be limited to graduates in science, technology, engineering and maths who find suitable employment within six months of completing their studies.
The Lib Dems said then home secretary Theresa May was wrong to scrap the system entirely in 2012 and should have taken a more "nuanced" approach.
During a General Election campaign visit to Scotland, Lib Dem leader Tim Farron said the move would be in the party's manifesto.
He said: "It is ludicrous that we take in international students, train them, and then as soon as they are skilled and ready to work, the Conservatives boot them out of the country.
"British universities are world leaders that attract some of the most talented individuals from around the globe to the benefit of the UK economy.
"But instead of encouraging them to stay here and contributing to keeping Britain at the forefront of cutting-edge research, this Conservative Brexit Government forces them out.
"And all in a vain attempt to meet an artificial and unachievable immigration target.
"The Liberal Democrats want to build a Britain that is open, tolerant and united. This means bringing in and fostering talent, helping to boost our economy and keep Britain an attractive destination to study."
The move came after Mr Farron warned the Tories not to continue with their target of cutting immigration to the tens of thousands.
He said: "Given the number of times she failed to meet her own targets as home secretary, Theresa May should have learnt that setting arbitrary limits simply doesn't work.
"It ends up hurting our businesses, hospitals and universities, while undermining people's trust in the system.
"We need immigration rules that benefit the country, not the Conservative Party."
Mr Farron used a campaign rally in Edinburgh to accuse the PM of deliberately "stoking" concerns on immigration.
"Today Theresa May has chosen again her version of nationalism, her desire to divide and to rule as she decides once again to stoke-up concerns about immigration."
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