回复：many people go back and apply visa without AP. If your

status is valid, you shouldn't have any problem. i went back twice last year, used AP for one time, and applied for H-1 visa for another time. both worked. IO might not be correct, specially in local office. they often gave out misleading and inconsistent information. I am frequent local office visitor, i feel some IOs are knowledgeable, some know nothing. You can double check with them, better for different IOs.