JAA - TC (Transport Canada), I don't know,
JAA-FAA- There is a written exam and oral test to do per rating or licence converted. For each rating/licence it is then just training as required and check ride. The oral test is normally taken the same day as the check ride.
The written exams are straight forward due to the freedom of information act (question back readily available), however for the oral test you will be sat in a room with an examiner so you will really need to know the subjects (no question spotting or learning question banks).
Note there are two check rides for the commercial, one for the single engine and one for the multi engine commercial.
So yes it is quicker in that there are less theory exams to sit.
ElSupremo do you have US or Canadian citizenship, because there are work permit issues for expats (of course marrying a local American or Canadian girl/guy is one way to get round this). It is possible to get a J1 visa to work in the US for a limited period, this will more than likely only be available for instructor positions.