Hey Nutmeg97
All you need for visa is a typed page explaining your plans on getting a visa. Write a paragraph explaining planned arrival date and which visa you will be applying for. Maybe put an email from the visa beurau in to show them you have been looking into it. I got mine through the 'family stream' as my husband has a work visa. But it doesnt matter which visa you are getting, just show some evidence of your plans. No you dont need to get the visa before being here.
For CPD courses you just need a page/paragraph explaining the course description & outline. You can make this page and put it with the course certificate. No reflective statement needed for this.
Make sure ALL copies of important documents (i.e. passport/uni degree certificates) are certified correctly. Read the guidelines and make sure your certifier has done it right...even if they are a solicitor (they can still make mistakes).
My main issue was not enough info on my first degree (sports science) I did it so long ago the course descriptors were too vague so i needed i cover letter from the uni explaining the detail of my course. But that was just me. If you have only a Physio degree they dont have anything else to be picky about!
I'm just waiting now
I'll get back to you if it gets returned for the second time!
Cheers