A method of forming a transistor induces stress in the channel region using a stress memorization technique (SMT). Impurities are implanted into a substrate adjacent a gate electrode structure to produce an amorphous region adjacent the channel region. The amorphous region is then recrystallized by forming a metal-oxide layer over the amorphous region, and then thermally treating the same. The crystallization creates compressive stress in the amorphous region. As a result, stress is induced in the channel region of the substrate located under the gate electrode structure.