The common and universally accepted way is to count the number of exams you failed as the number of backlogs in an academic year. For instance, if you were unable to clear 5 exams in your overall academic history then it is counted as 5 backlogs regardless of the number of attempts it took to clear the exams.

How do Canadian universities count backlogs?

Similarly, if you had backlogs in 2 subjects, 1 of which you cleared 2 attempts and the other in 3 attempts, then the total number of backlogs would be counted at (2+3=5). Likewise, if you had backlogs in 3 subjects, for which you took 1 attempt each, then it would be counted as 3 backlogs.

Do backlogs affect Canada visa?

4. Do backlogs affect your visa to study in Canada? In general, backlogs won't affect the visa processing stage or interview in any country. Just make sure that you are honest about your backlogs if the subject comes up during your visa interview.