E-1 and E-2 visa forms part of the E visa category, which is granted to treaty traders and investors visiting the US under a treaty of commerce and navigation between the US and their home country.
An E-1 visa or the Nonimmigrant Treaty Trader visa is given to treaty traders conducting substantial trade in goods, including services and technology, mainly between the US and their country of origin.
An E-2 visa or the Nonimmigrant Treaty Investor visa is given to treaty investors who invest a significant amount of money either in establishing a new business in the US or an existing business in the US.