A method for reducing defects from an active layer is disclosed. The active layer may be part of a semiconductor in a semiconductor device. The active layer may be defined at least laterally by an isolation structure, and may physically contact an isolation structure at a contact interface. The isolation structure and the active layer may abut on a common substantially planar surface. The method may include providing a patterned stress-inducing layer on the common substantially planar surface. The stress-inducing layer may be adapted for inducing a stress field in the active layer, and induced stress field may result in a shear stress on a defect in the active layer. The method may also include performing an anneal step after providing the patterned stress-inducing layer on the common substantially planar surface. The method may additionally include removing the patterned stress-inducing layer from the common substantially planar surface.