One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for fabricating light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The method includes fabricating an InGaAlN-based multilayer LED structure on a conductive substrate. The method further includes etching grooves of a predetermined pattern through the active region of the multilayer LED structure. The grooves separate a light-emitting region from non-light-emitting regions. In addition, the method includes depositing electrode material on the light-emitting and non-light-emitting regions, thereby creating an electrode. Furthermore, the method includes depositing a passivation layer covering the light-emitting and non-light-emitting regions. Moreover, the method includes removing the passivation layer on the electrode to allow the non-light-emitting regions which are covered with the electrode material and the passivation layer to be higher than the light-emitting region and the electrode, thereby protecting the light-emitting region from contact with test equipment.