The main difference between the E-1 and E-2 visas lies in their purpose. The E-1 visa, known as the Treaty Trader visa, is designed for nationals of treaty countries who come to the U.S. to engage in substantial trade of goods, services, banking, or technology, with at least half of that trade occurring between the U.S. and their home country. In contrast, the E-2 visa, known as the Treaty Investor visa, is for nationals of treaty countries who have made or are actively making a substantial investment in a U.S. business and who will come to the U.S. to develop and direct that enterprise.