Remember now the rules have changed.... when that great migration happened it was under the UK CAA, now the rules are dictated (sort of) by the JAA. Validations are possible, but very rare. Any way, while you are learning a new aircraft/country/rules etc you have 12 months to do all 14 exams. No pressure....
As I have posted in your other thread, the 650 hours can be reduced by the training organisation but where do they cut?
No one is immune from the 14 exams. Only people that are have over 1500 hours in command of 30tonne a/c and above in international operations.
Re the checkride, you must have the 500 hours 2 crew time on a 2 pilot aircraft before you can "just do that checkride". The check must be done in that aircraft or sim. After 6 months study I think it would be wise to brush up on the skills. (I am going to do that in Oz, much much cheaper).
Also, just having the 500 hours 2 crew is not enough, you must also have a total of 1500 hours, 100 night etc. Sound familiar?
All the rules and regs can be found on the CAA website.