-Not true.
My current AP will expire on Nov. 11. I filed a new AP application last week. Now I want to go back to China within October. So it really concens me if I can use the current AP, while the new application is still under process.
-Yes, you can use your current AP, but you need to come back before this AP expires. Also, your pending AP application will be invalid if you leave US before it is approved.