It is not dead year. I f he requalified in 2023 he got extension for two more years under the old rules. As per this year, the status is only valid for one year and what it is left from the previous, If he requalifies in 2026, let' say may, he will get the rest of 2026, whole 2027 and until feb 2028. If he renews in 2025, he will only get one more year, that is until feb 2027. No dead years anymore!