Immigration New Zealand cannot accept a Graduate Job Search visa application without the actual graduation certificate being submitted with the application. If you are waiting for your certificate and your Student Visa is getting close to expiry, you will need to apply for a Visitor Visa if you wish to remain in New Zealand and wait for your certificate before applying for the Job Search Visa. The usual visitor policy requirements will have to be met by you in this case.
Feel free to include a cover letter with the Visitor Visa application to explain your reasons for applying.
This answer was last updated on 15 February, 2012.
Search knowledge base
If you still can't find an answer to your question within the Knowledge Base, you can send us an online query.