This paper develops a model of optimizing behavior of asylum seekers whose objective is to reach anadvanced country. Their personal characteristics and the challenges anticipated along the way determinewhether they try to reach the ultimate destination with the aid of human smugglers or by applying forresettlement with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). In the current policyenvironment, individuals who are relatively young, skilled, wealthy, and have access to credit from thefamily network are found to have a strong incentive to choose the undocumented migration option.