If a previous study permit application was refused and you're now applying with a genuinely different college and course, opinions in the group were split on whether you still need to address the prior refusal in your new SOP.
Two views from the group:- Some members said you do not need to justify the change of course or the previous refusal, since the new application stands on its own with a different program.
- Others disagreed, arguing that IRCC can see your application history, and that proactively and briefly explaining the previous refusal and your reason for changing course demonstrates transparency and a coherent, thought-out plan — which can work in your favor rather than raising a flag.
Given this disagreement, the safer approach leans toward the second view: IRCC has access to your prior application history regardless of whether you mention it, so a short, honest acknowledgment of the previous refusal and why the new program is a better fit is unlikely to hurt, and may help demonstrate genuine intent.