A convicted criminal whose 'hot felon' mugshot swept the internet has left prison - to start his new career as a male model.

Jeremy Meeks, 32, was sentenced to two years in jail in 2015 for a firearms offence, NBC News reports.

After his arrest in 2014, his mugshot attracted thousands of admirers when the Stockton Police Department's post his image to their Facebook page.

Dubbed the "hot felon", social media users virtually drooled over his blue eyes, designer stubble and chiseled features.

"I am in love with a criminal!" one woman posted.

Another asked: "Can I be your cellmate?"

And now he is about to embark on a modelling career, with California-based White Cross Management, thanks to his internet fame.

Posting to his official Instagram account, Meeks wrote: "I want to thank my family and everybody for all your love, support and prayers."

"I'm overwhelmed and grateful for what lies ahead. I'm ready @jimjordanphotography and @whitecrossmanagement."

Another recent picture shows him at the helm of a speedboat, captioned: "Looking forward to my time on the lake with my kids."

Police had previously described Meeks as a violent criminal, but the former gang member dismissed this, telling US media he was not "some kingpin."