Situation with Josh is that if he comes back as a 'return skater' i.e. commits in writing before annual selection meeting at end of June he will get 2 GP slots (both of which can be outside the USA) due to his 2015 World Champs finish and Seasons Best that year, which would be in this last years Top 24. This is assuming non-guaranteed 2nd slots are effectively in Seasons Best order which in practice they seem to be.
If he can't commit it's a bit unclear, but it looks as if he could be a Host Pick if he gets the minimum Grand Prix Score (about 192) early this coming season and uses a 'TBD' slot at Skate America. Also I would imagine it's possible he could commit, but word is put out that it's only for SA if you see what I mean i.e. he won't be picked by other Federations. That way the USFS could choose him and still have a 'TBA' slot, though looking at all the main US skaters they're all going to get 2 slots anyway assuming the Seasons Best order business, so it might be best just to leave it and go for the early season 192 score, plus SA is very late this year so there's plenty of time for him to get it at a Challenger Series event.