A general model has been developed for the formation of thin-film composite hollow fiber and tubular membranes by diffusion-and reaction-controlled interfacial polymerization under non-steady-state boundary conditions. The special models for either diffusion-controlled or reaction-controlled interfacial polymerization under both steady and non-steady state boundary conditions have been obtained by simplifying the general model. The special models agree with similar models, where available in the literature. This work significantly extends existing theories for the formation of thin-film composite membranes by interfacial polymerization and provides an important guide for effective control of the thickness of the surface barrier layer of thin-film composite membranes prepared by interfacial polymerization.